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2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2024 Kia EV9: The Definitive Family EV Showdown for American Roads
As an automotive expert with over a decade of hands-on experience navigating the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape, I’ve witnessed the transformation from niche offerings to mainstream contenders. For American families seeking sustainable, spacious, and technologically advanced transportation, the choice in 2025 has become delightfully complex. Two prominent players are vying for the top spot in the three-row electric segment: the much-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already lauded 2024 Kia EV9. While they present vastly different aesthetics – a retro-futuristic electric van versus a bold, avant-garde electric SUV – their core mission remains identical: to move families efficiently and comfortably into the electric era.
Having personally put countless electric family vehicles through their paces, I understand that purchasing an EV in 2025 is more than just a transaction; it’s an investment in the future of sustainable mobility. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 arrive with competitive price tags, often within a few thousand dollars when similarly equipped, making a direct comparison crucial for discerning buyers. The ID. Buzz, a spiritual successor to VW’s iconic Microbus, is an all-new offering for the 2025 model year. Our test model, an AWD Pro S Plus, delivered an EPA-estimated 231 miles of range from its 91-kWh battery, driven by a 335-horsepower dual-motor setup. Its DC fast-charging capability of up to 200 kW is a solid benchmark for the segment.
On the other side of the garage, we have Kia’s groundbreaking 2024 EV9 Land AWD, a long-term test vehicle that has already proven its mettle. Boasting a larger 99.8-kWh battery, it achieves an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range and a more potent 379 horsepower. Its slightly quicker DC fast-charging at up to 210 kW also gives it an edge in raw specifications. As of 2025, the EV9 continues to be a benchmark for what a premium electric SUV can achieve.
This isn’t merely a battle of specs; it’s a deep dive into design philosophy, real-world utility, and the subtle nuances that define a true family champion. Let’s dissect how these two electric powerhouses stack up across critical categories, helping you make an informed decision on your next three-row electric vehicle.
Interior Space and Comfort: Where Every Inch Counts
Verdict: For absolute maximum occupant space, especially in the crucial third row, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the uncontested victor. It’s a masterclass in volumetric efficiency.
From my vantage point, the ID. Buzz truly leverages its van architecture. Sliding into the driver’s seat, you’re immediately struck by the elevated, almost bus-like command position. While some shorter drivers might wish for an optional running board to ease entry, the panoramic view and upright windshield offer a unique perspective. I must admit, the extended roofline can occasionally obscure overhead traffic lights, requiring a slight head tilt – a minor quirk, but one to note.
The ID. Buzz’s seating comfort, while not quite matching the plushness of the EV9’s first and second rows, is remarkably good, designed for sustained periods of travel. Where it truly shines is in its sheer passenger volume. The second row is expansive, rivaling the roomiest full-size SUVs. But the revelation is the third row. Unlike many three-row SUVs where the rearmost seats are best reserved for children or short trips, the ID. Buzz’s third row genuinely accommodates taller adults without complaint. Legroom, headroom, and shoulder room are generous, making it a viable space for long journeys, a rarity in this class. It feels less like an afterthought and more like an integrated, comfortable seating zone. This is a game-changer for larger families or those who frequently carpool with adults.
The 2024 Kia EV9, while an excellent contender in its own right, adheres more to traditional SUV dimensions. Its front seats are arguably more ergonomically sculpted and offer superior cushioning, which can be a significant factor on extended drives. The second-row captain’s chairs in the EV9 are luxurious, featuring ventilation and integrated window sunshades, creating a premium experience. Its dual moonroof contributes to an open, airy cabin feel. However, even with these amenities, the EV9’s second row, while spacious for an SUV, can’t quite match the sheer breadth of the ID. Buzz.
The EV9’s third row, while impressive for an SUV, remains a compromise. Adults can manage for shorter durations if second-row passengers are willing to slide their seats forward. But compared to the ID. Buzz, it’s noticeably tighter and best suited for younger passengers. Access to the EV9’s third row is facilitated by convenient one-touch second-row folding and sliding, a thoughtful touch. The ID. Buzz also offers easy access, though its larger aperture is simply a byproduct of its larger dimensions. For families where every occupant needs ample space, the ID. Buzz’s minivan DNA provides an undeniable advantage.
In-Cabin Storage: Taming the Family Clutter
Verdict: For practical, well-thought-out storage solutions that easily manage everyday family items, the 2024 Kia EV9 takes the lead. It prioritizes utility and organization.
Over the years, I’ve observed that families accumulate “stuff” at an astonishing rate. Cupholders, bins, and hidden compartments are not luxuries; they’re necessities. The 2024 Kia EV9 shines here with a more traditional yet highly effective approach. Its front center console offers generous space for drinks, wallets, and phones, complemented by a large, open lower storage area ideal for larger bags or tablets. The EV9’s organizational philosophy feels like it was designed by parents who know the struggle of keeping a tidy vehicle.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while incredibly open and roomy, presents a different storage philosophy. Its interior design emphasizes an airy, minimalist aesthetic, which unfortunately translates to less dedicated, conventional storage for smaller items. The center console between the front seats is compact, and its integrated storage compartments are modest compared to the EV9. While the movable console offers some flexibility and a small rear-facing bin, it doesn’t quite offer the sheer volume of useful cubbies found in the Kia. You might find yourself placing a backpack or purse on the floor, which, while spacious, isn’t always ideal for secure storage.
Unique touches in the ID. Buzz, like dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper, are undeniably “fun” and contribute to its charismatic personality. However, from a practical standpoint, they don’t solve the core need for functional, accessible storage. The wirelessly charging pad, cleverly integrated near the steering wheel, is a welcome feature, but its size might be limiting for larger phones with bulky cases, as I experienced with my own device.
The EV9’s storage prowess extends beyond the front row, with a superior implementation of slide-out bins and trays for second-row passengers, enhancing its functionality as a comprehensive family hauler. It might be less “interesting” to discuss, but its utility for storing snacks, devices, and toys on long drives is far superior. When it comes to corralling the inevitable chaos of family life, the EV9’s pragmatic design truly stands out.
User Interface: The Digital Versus Tactile Debate
Verdict: The 2024 Kia EV9’s balanced approach, integrating an intuitive touchscreen with essential physical controls, makes it the more user-friendly and less distracting choice for everyday driving.
In 2025, the automotive industry continues to grapple with the optimal blend of digital and physical controls. From my perspective, safety and ease of use, particularly in a family vehicle, demand a thoughtful approach. The 2024 Kia EV9 strikes an admirable balance. Its responsive touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive, with clear menus and crisp graphics. Crucially, Kia retains physical buttons for frequently used features like climate control temperature, audio volume, and seat heating/ventilation. These tactile controls allow for quick, eyes-off adjustments, which is invaluable when driving with children or navigating complex traffic. While the small, dedicated climate touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel, the ability to expand these controls to the central touchscreen mitigates this minor flaw.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while featuring a visually appealing touchscreen with vibrant colors and intuitive tile menus, continues VW’s trend of relying heavily on touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen itself. This can be a source of frustration. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, for instance, are prone to accidental activation – I’ve inadvertently engaged cruise control simply by resting my hand. The haptic sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the precision of a physical knob, often requiring multiple attempts to achieve the desired setting.
While VW has made strides in refining its MIB platform, the sheer reliance on touch inputs, even for basic functions, demands more attention from the driver, which can be a safety concern. Navigation through multiple menus to access certain features also adds complexity, potentially increasing cognitive load. The ID. Buzz’s screen itself is excellent – sharp, bright, and highly responsive when it accepts inputs – but inconsistent response times and occasional safety-induced screen locks can disrupt the flow.
The EV9 isn’t entirely without its UI quirks; the climate display’s partial obstruction by the steering wheel is one, and the proximity of the touch-sensitive controls below the main screen can lead to accidental presses when using the screen. Its drive mode selector integrated with the start/stop button is also less intuitive than it could be. However, these are minor grievances compared to the ID. Buzz’s broader reliance on touch inputs. For a family vehicle where rapid, instinctive control is paramount, the EV9’s blend of digital sophistication and tactile practicality wins the day.
Interior Quality: The Premium Touch in Family Haulers
Verdict: The 2024 Kia EV9 edges out the ID. Buzz in overall perceived interior quality, offering a more consistently premium feel with robust materials and thoughtful design, despite its more subdued aesthetic.
In the $70,000+ segment, consumer expectations for interior quality are justifiably high. Having inspected countless vehicles at this price point, I can definitively say that neither the ID. Buzz nor the EV9 delivers an interior that screams “luxury” in the traditional sense. However, they both offer excellent build quality and durable materials appropriate for family life.
The 2024 Kia EV9 exhibits very good material quality, with soft-touch surfaces strategically placed where occupants typically rest their arms and hands. The upholstery feels durable yet premium, and after over 10,000 miles, our long-term test EV9 shows minimal signs of wear, with no discernible creaks or rattles. Kia’s commitment to quiet luxury is evident, even if the all-gray interior color scheme can feel a bit somber compared to the more vibrant ID. Buzz. It’s a functional elegance that speaks to longevity and resilience.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, by contrast, takes a more playful and design-forward approach. Its interior is visually interesting, with a distinct personality that evokes its heritage. VW utilizes a blend of visually appealing and quality materials on certain surfaces, often incorporating sustainable elements. However, there’s also a noticeable reliance on hard plastics in areas that aren’t primary touchpoints. While the overall build quality is solid, it doesn’t quite match the EV9’s pervasive sense of refinement across the cabin. The lighter, more colorful interior palette of the ID. Buzz is undoubtedly cheerful and unique, a refreshing departure from the typical automotive interior. It aims for a “joyful” aesthetic rather than overt luxury.
Ultimately, the choice here boils down to aesthetic preference and what “quality” means to you. If you appreciate a more understated, consistently refined, and robust interior with an emphasis on soft-touch materials, the EV9 will likely resonate more. If you prioritize a unique, vibrant, and fun aesthetic with durable materials and a strong personality, even with more hard plastics, the ID. Buzz offers a compelling alternative. From an expert’s standpoint on long-term wear and perceived value, the EV9’s slight edge in consistent material application and overall refinement gives it the nod.
Cargo Space: Beyond the Numbers, It’s About Utility
Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a cargo-hauling behemoth, especially when its versatile third row is removed, offering unparalleled flexibility for large items. The EV9 is excellent for an SUV, but the Buzz plays in a different league.
When discussing family vehicles, cargo space isn’t just a number; it’s about life utility. Can it swallow sports gear, camping equipment, or a week’s worth of groceries for a large family?
Behind the third row, both EVs offer similar, respectable cargo capacity – around 10 cubic feet by Cars.com’s measurements. This is sufficient for a modest grocery run or a few school bags. However, the ID. Buzz truly distinguishes itself when its third row is folded or, more dramatically, entirely removed.
With the third row folded flat, the ID. Buzz expands to a substantial 30.8 cubic feet. What’s unique is its cargo shelf system, which creates a flat load floor aligned with the folded seatbacks, perfect for sliding in longer items. Beneath this shelf are soft-sided storage bins, useful for smaller items but prone to getting grimy over time. The real showstopper, though, is the option to completely remove the third row, unlocking a cavernous 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space. This is more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row folded. This transforms the ID. Buzz into a true utility vehicle, capable of hauling everything from furniture to multiple bicycles without breaking a sweat. The caveat? Each third-row section is heavy (around 60 pounds), and you’ll need a place to store them when not in use.
The 2024 Kia EV9, by contrast, offers a much more conventional cargo area, akin to what you’d find in a large gasoline-powered three-row SUV. It provides a generous space with the third row up and even more with it folded. Its underfloor cargo storage is a practical addition, and the inclusion of a “frunk” (front trunk) is a significant advantage for storing charging cables or smaller, less frequently accessed items. The EV9’s cargo area is easy to reconfigure, without the need to physically remove heavy seat sections. It’s a highly functional space that will meet the needs of most families for everyday errands and even substantial road trips.
For those who regularly need to transport oversized items, such as large musical instruments, extensive camping gear, or who undertake frequent home improvement projects, the ID. Buzz’s sheer volume and adaptability are unmatched. For general family use, where the third row is occasionally needed and ease of reconfiguration is paramount, the EV9 offers a superb, albeit less extreme, solution. The lack of a frunk in the ID. Buzz is a minor oversight given its overall utility, but the trade-off is its unrivaled interior volume.
Driving Experience: Nimble Van vs. Potent SUV
Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz surprises with its refined ride and nimble handling for a van, making it a pleasant cruiser, though its lower range limits its long-haul appeal. The 2024 Kia EV9 offers a more traditional, powerful SUV driving experience, albeit with less suspension refinement.
Having driven countless EVs, I can attest that driving dynamics often challenge preconceived notions. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, despite its van silhouette and heavier curb weight, delivers a genuinely pleasant and surprisingly agile driving experience. Even in “Comfort” mode, the accelerator pedal is responsive, providing smooth, quiet, and predictable power delivery. With 335 horsepower, it’s quick enough for city driving and merging onto highways without drama.
The ID. Buzz’s suspension tuning, while firm, is remarkably refined. It feels composed and “buttoned-up,” absorbing road imperfections with a muted thud rather than the sometimes-noisy responses of the Kia. Steering is light and direct, contributing to a sense of nimbleness that belies its size. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers near-one-pedal driving, which is excellent for efficiency and reduces driver fatigue, though you’ll still need to use the brake for a complete stop. Sitting high up provides excellent visibility forward, and while its short nose and upright windshield create a unique perspective, there are no significant blind spots. Wind noise is present at higher speeds but generally unobtrusive.
The 2024 Kia EV9, while more powerful at 379 horsepower, presents a different driving character. It feels more like a conventional SUV, offering a commanding driving position and good outward visibility (though the left-side B-pillar can be a bit thick). If you prioritize raw power and a sportier feel, the EV9 might edge out the ID. Buzz. Its different drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport—have a more pronounced effect on the driving experience, truly transforming its character. However, the EV9’s suspension, while competent, isn’t as refined as the ID. Buzz’s. It can be noisier over broken pavement, and the cabin experiences more tire and wind noise at speed compared to the VW. The EV9 does offer more levels of regenerative braking, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which many EV enthusiasts prefer. Kia’s blind spot camera views are also a fantastic confidence booster.
From a long-term perspective, the ID. Buzz’s refined ride and quiet composure make it an excellent daily cruiser, particularly for urban and suburban environments. The EV9, with its robust power and SUV-like handling, offers a more traditional and engaging drive for those who prefer that dynamic. The VW’s lower overall range, however, makes the EV9 a more appealing choice for longer, multi-state family road trips where charging stops need to be less frequent.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: The Real-World Range Test
Verdict: The 2024 Kia EV9 proved to be the more efficient and less range-compromised EV in cold weather conditions, making it a stronger contender for families living in colder climates or embarking on winter road trips.
In 2025, one of the perennial concerns for electric vehicle ownership, especially for families planning winter travel, remains cold-weather performance and range. Battery chemistry is inherently less efficient in low temperatures, and the need for cabin heating further depletes available range. Our real-world cold-weather efficiency drive, spanning approximately 110 miles of mixed highway and country roads in well-below-freezing temperatures (17-21 degrees Fahrenheit), provided critical insights.
Both vehicles were driven under realistic conditions, with climate systems in Auto mode set to a comfortable cabin temperature. Before starting, the EV9 displayed 249 miles of estimated range, while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles – both significant drops from their EPA estimates, underscoring the impact of cold.
At the conclusion of our 110-mile route, the results were telling. The 2024 Kia EV9 traveled 113 miles but consumed an estimated 135 miles of range, leaving 114 miles remaining. Its average efficiency was 2.1 miles per kWh. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, meanwhile, completed 111 miles but consumed a more substantial 150 miles of range, leaving a mere 48 miles. Its average efficiency was 1.8 miles per kWh.
These numbers highlight a crucial difference. While both EVs experience reduced range in the cold, the EV9’s larger battery and better efficiency management meant it retained a much more usable amount of charge. For families, this translates directly to fewer charging stops and reduced “range anxiety” during colder months. Factors like advanced battery thermal management systems and the presence of heat pumps play a significant role here, and Kia appears to have optimized its architecture more effectively for these challenging conditions.
Neither vehicle, frankly, would be my top recommendation for a frequent cold-weather road-trip machine in 2025 without careful planning. The frequency of charging stops would become a logistical headache. However, if circumstances necessitate cold-weather travel, the EV9’s superior efficiency and greater overall range make it the far more tolerable and reliable choice. For families prioritizing consistent performance across all seasons, the EV9 demonstrates a clear advantage.
ID. Buzz or EV9: Which Is Right for Your Family?
Deciding between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 is less about a single “winner” and more about aligning each vehicle’s unique strengths with your family’s specific lifestyle and priorities. Having spent a decade analyzing what truly makes an electric vehicle successful for families, I see these two catering to distinct segments.
If your primary need is unparalleled passenger volume and cargo flexibility, particularly if you routinely transport multiple adults in the third row or frequently haul oversized items, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your champion. Its modern reinterpretation of the classic Microbus isn’t just a style statement; it’s a masterclass in interior space and versatile utility. The ID. Buzz shines for urban families, carpooling parents, or anyone who values a genuinely spacious, comfortable, and unique electric van experience. It’s a statement vehicle, evoking nostalgia while embracing cutting-edge EV technology. If you’ve always dreamed of owning a futuristic VW Bus and can accommodate a charmingly characterful, albeit range-limited, secondary or primary family vehicle, the Buzz sparks genuine joy. Its refined ride and surprising agility for its size are also significant draws.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a longer driving range, especially for frequent longer trips or cold-weather reliability, coupled with a more conventional yet undeniably premium SUV aesthetic and driving experience, the 2024 Kia EV9 is the more well-rounded choice. The EV9 offers a luxurious cabin, intuitive user interface with tactile controls, and superior in-cabin storage, making it incredibly livable for daily family duties. Its stronger cold-weather efficiency and more potent powertrain provide an added layer of confidence. For families seeking a primary electric vehicle that seamlessly blends practicality, advanced technology, and a commanding presence without the styling risks of a retro van, the EV9 is an outstanding investment in sustainable family transport. It represents the pinnacle of mainstream electric SUV innovation in 2025, setting high benchmarks for the segment.
Neither of these electric family vehicles is a flawless proposition, particularly when considering the evolving charging infrastructure and the inherent range limitations of current EV battery technology in extreme conditions. However, both represent compelling, high-quality options for American families ready to embrace the electric future. Your decision will ultimately reflect your family’s specific needs for space, style, range, and everyday utility.
Ready to electrify your family’s journey?
The future of family transportation is here, offering unprecedented choices. Visit your local Volkswagen or Kia dealership today to experience the 2025 ID. Buzz and 2024 EV9 firsthand. Schedule a test drive, explore the unique features that matter most to your family, and talk to an expert about available EV tax credits and financing options for 2025. Don’t just read about the revolution – be a part of it!
