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2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2025 Kia EV9: A Deep Dive into the Ultimate Family EV Showdown
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles, the demand for practical, family-friendly options with sustainable credentials has surged. For 2025, two distinct yet compelling contenders have emerged as frontrunners in the three-row electric segment: the much-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the critically acclaimed 2025 Kia EV9. Having spent over a decade evaluating the nuances of automotive engineering and consumer appeal, I’ve put these two groundbreaking EVs through their paces to discern which truly offers the superior experience for the modern American family. This isn’t just a comparison of specifications; it’s an exploration of how these vehicles integrate into daily life, offering insights that only real-world experience can provide.
Design Philosophy and First Impressions: Retro-Futurism Meets Bold Modernity
The visual dichotomy between the ID. Buzz and the EV9 is striking and immediately sets them apart. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a masterclass in retro-futuristic design, channeling the spirit of the iconic VW Microbus while embracing a distinctly modern EV aesthetic. Its playful, two-tone paint schemes, short overhangs, and unmistakable silhouette evoke a sense of nostalgia blended with forward-thinking design. This isn’t merely a van; it’s a statement piece, a lifestyle choice that promises joy and individuality. In a market often dominated by homogenous SUV designs, the ID. Buzz confidently carves its own niche, offering an undeniable cool factor that attracts a specific type of buyer seeking a unique family vehicle.
Conversely, the 2025 Kia EV9 projects a bold, chiseled, and undeniably contemporary presence. Its “Opposites United” design language results in a geometric, almost architectural form that screams futuristic SUV. With its distinctive Star Map LED lighting signatures and robust proportions, the EV9 doesn’t just blend in; it commands attention. While its aesthetics are more aligned with traditional SUV appeal, its innovative surfacing and confident stance give it a premium, almost conceptual feel. For those seeking an electric SUV that projects capability and sophistication without compromising on practicality, the EV9 presents a formidable package. The choice here often comes down to personal style: do you lean towards an expressive, charming throwback or a sleek, assertive pioneer? Both, in their own right, represent significant leaps in electric vehicle design.
Powertrain, Range, and Charging Dynamics: Performance Meets Practicality
Underneath their distinctive skins, both the ID. Buzz and EV9 house advanced electric powertrains designed for efficiency and responsive performance. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus AWD I tested, with its dual-motor setup, delivers a robust 335 horsepower. Power is drawn from a 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering an EPA-estimated driving range of 231 miles. While this range is sufficient for most daily commutes and shorter trips, it falls somewhat short when considering longer EV road trips. Charging capability is impressive, with DC fast-charging speeds up to 200 kilowatts, ensuring reasonably quick top-ups at compatible charging stations. Volkswagen’s commitment to the MEB platform has allowed for excellent power delivery that feels smooth and predictable, a hallmark of well-engineered EVs.
The 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD, a long-term test vehicle we’ve thoroughly scrutinized over thousands of miles, boasts a more powerful 379 horsepower from its dual-motor configuration. Its larger 99.8-kWh battery pack provides a more generous EPA-estimated range of 280 miles, a significant advantage for families who prioritize extended travel without frequent charging stops. Furthermore, the EV9 slightly edges out the ID. Buzz in DC fast-charging capability, reaching up to 210 kW. This minor difference can accumulate over time, potentially saving precious minutes during public charging sessions. For those evaluating long-range electric vehicles and the overall convenience of EV charging infrastructure, the EV9’s specifications present a compelling case. Both vehicles demonstrate strong acceleration for their respective segments, making highway merging and city driving effortless, proving that electric vehicle performance doesn’t sacrifice practicality for family needs.
Interior Sanctuary: Space, Comfort, and Everyday Practicality
When it comes to transporting families, interior space and comfort are paramount. Here, the distinct body styles of the ID. Buzz and EV9 truly define their character.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz leverages its van architecture to create an incredibly airy and expansive cabin. From the moment you step inside, the sheer volume of space is apparent. The upright seating position in the driver’s seat, while reminiscent of a delivery van, offers an excellent vantage point, though the extended roofline can occasionally obscure overhead traffic lights. What truly sets the ID. Buzz apart is its exceptional passenger space, particularly in the second and third rows. The second row feels cavernous, offering more legroom and elbow room than many luxury sedans, let alone SUVs. The third row is a revelation; it’s genuinely adult-friendly, easily accommodating taller passengers without requiring contortions or compromises from those in the second row. For large families or those who frequently transport adults in all three rows, the ID. Buzz is an unrivaled champion. Its seats, while not as sumptuously cushioned as the EV9’s front seats, are supportive and comfortable for extended periods.
However, the ID. Buzz’s open layout comes with a minor trade-off in dedicated, small-item storage. While there’s ample floor space for bags and backpacks, the center console between the front seats is somewhat minimalist. Clever touches like a movable center console and a small bin opening from the rear are appreciated, but they don’t quite match the sheer utility of the EV9’s compartmentalized storage. Unique details like the bottle opener/ice scraper dividers are charming but lean more towards novelty than everyday practicality.
The 2025 Kia EV9 offers a more traditional SUV interior layout, but executed with a premium feel. Its front seats are exceptionally comfortable, providing excellent support and cushioning that many will appreciate on longer journeys. The second row, often available with ventilated captain’s chairs, is also highly comfortable and spacious, further enhanced by integrated window sunshades and an open cabin feel courtesy of its dual moonroof setup. While the EV9’s second row is superb, it still can’t quite match the ID. Buzz for sheer expansive roominess. The third row, while commendable for an SUV, is better suited for children or smaller adults on shorter trips. Access to the third row is facilitated by convenient one-touch folding and sliding second-row seats, a thoughtful feature for family dynamics.
In terms of in-cabin storage, the EV9 excels with its practical and versatile solutions. The front center console provides ample space for personal items and drinks, complemented by a large, open lower storage area. The thoughtful implementation of a slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers further enhances its utility, making it a more organized space for family essentials. When comparing third-row comfort EV options, the ID. Buzz clearly holds an advantage, while the EV9 prioritizes ergonomic and accessible storage throughout its cabin.
Digital Command Center: User Interface and Integrated Technology
In an era where vehicles are becoming increasingly integrated with digital experiences, the user interface (UI) and technology stack are critical factors. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 showcase modern infotainment systems, but their execution differs significantly.
The 2025 Kia EV9 opts for a more traditional yet highly intuitive approach. Its 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive and features clear, logical menus. Crucially, Kia has retained a significant number of physical controls for frequently used features like climate settings, audio volume, and drive modes. This blend of touchscreen and tactile buttons strikes an excellent balance, allowing drivers to access essential functions without diverting their attention from the road. While the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel for some drivers, these controls can be expanded onto the central touchscreen for better accessibility. The presence of dedicated buttons for heated/ventilated seats is a huge convenience, reflecting a user-centric design philosophy. The drive mode selector integrated with the start-stop button is a minor quirk, but easily adapted to. Overall, the EV9’s system feels mature and refined, prioritizing ease of use.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz features a vibrant 12.9-inch touchscreen with rich colors and reasonably intuitive tile menus. However, Volkswagen’s recent trend of heavily relying on touch-sensitive controls extends throughout the ID. Buzz’s interior, leading to a steeper learning curve and occasional frustration. Touch-sensitive steering wheel controls for functions like cruise control are prone to accidental activation, an annoyance I’ve encountered in other VW models. The slider controls for volume and temperature, while visually sleek, lack the precision and tactile feedback of physical buttons, making adjustments while driving less straightforward. Crucially, the system can sometimes exhibit unnecessary pauses or momentarily lock for safety reasons, interrupting the flow of interaction. While the graphics are excellent, and the responsiveness is generally good, the over-reliance on touch-sensitive surfaces for crucial functions represents a significant usability challenge for me as an experienced driver. Integrating robust connected car features and an intuitive infotainment system electric cars need is a delicate balance, and the EV9, in my professional opinion, handles it with greater finesse.
Craftsmanship and Cabin Ambience: Quality Beyond the Screen
Beyond the digital interface, the tangible quality of materials and overall cabin ambience contribute significantly to the perceived value of a family EV, especially at these price points.
The 2025 Kia EV9 impresses with a high level of material quality. Soft-touch surfaces are strategically placed where occupants’ arms will naturally rest, contributing to a premium feel. The overall assembly quality is excellent, and even after considerable mileage on our long-term tester, there are no noticeable creaks or signs of premature wear. While the all-gray interior color scheme can appear somewhat understated or even boring to some, it exudes a sense of durability and understated luxury. Kia has clearly prioritized longevity and a refined tactile experience, making the EV9’s cabin a comfortable and reassuring place to spend time.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz offers a cabin that is visually more playful and, dare I say, fun. With its lighter color palettes and more diverse material textures, it creates a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. The build quality is solid, as expected from Volkswagen, with good fit and finish throughout. However, compared to the EV9, the ID. Buzz utilizes more hard plastics in certain common touchpoints, which can slightly detract from a premium feel given its price point. While the materials used are durable and visually interesting, the overall impression isn’t quite as plush or refined as the EV9. Both vehicles, while well-appointed, prompt an honest conversation about whether either truly delivers a “luxury” interior experience commensurate with a $70,000+ vehicle in the broader automotive landscape. They are premium for the sustainable family transport segment, certainly, but perhaps not universally.
Family Hauler Capabilities: Cargo Space and Versatility
For any family vehicle, the ability to haul cargo, be it groceries, sports equipment, or vacation luggage, is non-negotiable. Both EVs approach cargo versatility with unique strategies.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, true to its van heritage, offers exceptional cargo flexibility. While its measurements behind the third row are similar to the EV9 (around 10 cubic feet by Cars.com’s measurements), its real strength emerges when the third row is folded or, more impressively, removed entirely. With the third row folded, the ID. Buzz offers a respectable 30.8 cubic feet of space. However, removing the heavy (around 60 pounds per section) third-row seats unlocks a massive 48.9 cubic feet of cargo volume – more than double the EV9’s capacity with its third row down. This capability is further enhanced by a unique cargo shelf that creates a flat load floor when the third row is folded, though it also raises the load height. While the soft-sided bins below the shelf are practical, their long-term durability and cleanliness remain a question. The lack of a frunk (front trunk) is a minor drawback, but the sheer volume behind the second row compensates significantly.
The 2025 Kia EV9 provides a conventional, yet highly functional, cargo area. It offers a generous space with the third row up and an even larger volume when folded. The inclusion of underfloor cargo storage and a small frunk (which is surprisingly useful for charging cables or small bags) adds to its practicality. When the third row is folded, the EV9 provides 23.4 cubic feet of space. While this is ample for most family needs and aligns with many large gas-powered SUVs, it cannot match the sheer cavernous capacity of the ID. Buzz with its third row removed. The EV9’s system is simpler and requires no heavy lifting or finding a place to store removed seats, offering a more immediate and conventional solution for family minivan electric-style versatility.
On the Road: Driving Dynamics and Refinement
The driving experience is where these two EVs reveal their unique personalities, despite both being competent people movers.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz was a genuine surprise on the road. Despite its van proportions, it exhibits a remarkable agility and refinement. Power delivery from the 335 hp dual-motor setup is smooth, quiet, and instantly responsive, making it feel quicker than its specs might suggest, especially in city driving. The suspension tuning, while firm, is remarkably composed and refined, absorbing road imperfections with a planted, “buttoned-up” feel that often surpasses many SUVs. Unlike the Kia, the ID. Buzz’s suspension is noticeably quieter over broken pavement. Steering is light and precise, and despite sitting high, the vehicle doesn’t feel top-heavy, responding readily to driver inputs. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers near-one-pedal driving, effectively slowing the vehicle almost to a complete stop, enhancing city driving ease. Outward visibility is generally good, though the unique windshield design and short nose create a different visual perspective. The ID. Buzz truly shines as a pleasant cruiser, offering a serene and comfortable ride that belies its functional form.
The 2025 Kia EV9 provides a driving experience more akin to a conventional three-row SUV, which will appeal to many. Its 379 hp powertrain delivers robust acceleration, and it feels relatively sporty, especially in its Sport drive mode, which offers a noticeably different character than Eco mode. The EV9 also offers more regenerative braking levels, including a full one-pedal driving mode, which many EV enthusiasts prefer. However, compared to the ID. Buzz, the EV9’s ride quality is noticeably harsher and noisier. Tire and wind noise are more pronounced at highway speeds, and the suspension transmits more road imperfections into the cabin, leading to a somewhat “rattly” feel over rough surfaces. While forward visibility is excellent, the left-side B-pillar can create a blind spot, and rear visibility, while better than the VW (especially with a camera mirror option), still benefits from Kia’s confidence-inspiring blind-spot camera views. For drivers seeking an electric SUV performance feel that closely mirrors a gasoline counterpart, the EV9 delivers, but at the expense of the ID. Buzz’s superior ride refinement.
Facing the Elements: Cold-Weather Performance and Efficiency
The practical implications of EV ownership, particularly concerning range in adverse conditions, are crucial for family planning. Our cold-weather efficiency drive, conducted in sub-freezing temperatures (17-21 degrees Fahrenheit) over a 110-mile mixed highway and country road route, provided invaluable insights.
The 2025 Kia EV9 demonstrated slightly better efficiency, averaging 2.1 miles per kWh compared to the ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh. More significantly, its greater initial range estimate (249 miles vs. 198 miles for the ID. Buzz at the start of our test, both significantly lower than EPA estimates) translated into greater practical utility. After 113 miles of driving, the EV9 had consumed 135 miles of estimated range, leaving 114 miles remaining. This means you have more buffer before needing to locate a charging station, a critical factor for EV battery health and anxiety reduction in cold climates.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while charming and capable, felt more constrained in cold weather. After traveling 111 miles, it had consumed a disproportionate 150 miles of estimated range, leaving a mere 48 miles remaining. This rapid depletion of available range would necessitate much more frequent charging stops on longer journeys, making it a less ideal choice for prolonged cold-weather road trips. For families living in colder regions, the EV9’s superior range and marginally better efficiency provide a more reassuring experience, reducing the frequency of inconvenient public charging stops. Understanding EV ownership costs and the practicalities of winter driving is essential, and here the EV9 holds an edge.
Which Is Right for Your Family? The Final Verdict
After extensive evaluation, both the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 emerge as highly capable contenders in the best 3-row electric SUV 2025 market, each carving out a distinct niche. Your ultimate choice will hinge on your family’s specific priorities and lifestyle.
If your primary need is maximum occupant space and unparalleled third-row comfort, day in and day out, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the unequivocal champion. Its genuinely adult-friendly third row, combined with a vast, versatile cargo area (especially with the seats removed), makes it the ideal choice for larger families or those who frequently haul both people and substantial gear. Its refined driving dynamics and charming retro-futuristic appeal make every journey an experience. However, be mindful of its slightly shorter range, particularly in colder climates, and its UI’s reliance on touch-sensitive controls. The ID. Buzz isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a statement about joyful, sustainable family mobility.
Conversely, if you prioritize extended driving range, more conventional SUV styling, superior small-item storage, and a more user-friendly infotainment interface with physical controls, the 2025 Kia EV9 is the more well-rounded and practical primary family vehicle. Its robust power, commendable efficiency even in cold weather, and overall sense of refinement (despite being slightly louder than the VW) make it an incredibly compelling package. The EV9 blends premium features with practical utility, offering a confident and capable experience that seamlessly integrates into diverse family routines. It represents a more traditional, yet still cutting-edge, approach to electric family car review excellence.
Neither of these electric pioneers is a perfect solution for ultra-long, cold-weather road trips without careful planning. However, for the vast majority of family driving needs, they represent the pinnacle of advanced EV technology and family-focused design.
Explore Your Electric Future Today
Ready to experience the future of family transportation? We invite you to schedule a test drive of both the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9. Discover firsthand which innovative electric family car aligns perfectly with your lifestyle and start your journey towards a more sustainable and exhilarating driving experience.
