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The Ultimate 2025 Family EV Showdown: Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. Kia EV9

For families navigating the evolving automotive landscape, the choice of a new vehicle has become more complex and exciting than ever, particularly within the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) segment. As we dive into 2025, two distinct yet compelling three-row electric offerings stand out as prime contenders for family duty: the much-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already well-established 2024 Kia EV9. While one evokes nostalgic charm with a futuristic twist and the other embodies a bold, modern SUV aesthetic, both are engineered to shuttle people and cargo efficiently and sustainably. Having spent countless hours evaluating next-generation electric vehicles, I can tell you that understanding their nuances beyond surface-level appearances is crucial for making the right decision. Let’s dissect how these premium electric vehicles stack up when it comes to the real-world demands of family life, from everyday commutes to the ambitious road trip.

Design Philosophies and Market Positioning

At first glance, the ID. Buzz and EV9 couldn’t be more different. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an undeniable statement piece, a loving homage to VW’s iconic Microbus, reborn with a fully electric powertrain. Its retro-futuristic van silhouette instantly captures attention, promising a unique blend of heritage and cutting-edge technology. This isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a lifestyle statement, appealing to buyers who value distinctive design and a sense of automotive history.

Conversely, the 2024 Kia EV9 represents a radical step forward for the SUV segment. Its striking, angular design, often described as “brutalist chic,” screams modernity and innovation. It’s built from the ground up on a dedicated EV platform, delivering a spacious and technologically advanced experience without compromise. The EV9 directly challenges traditional three-row SUVs, aiming to redefine what a family electric SUV can be.

Despite their stylistic divergence, both vehicles land in a similar pricing bracket, making their comparison inevitable for any family considering a significant investment in a long-range electric vehicle. As tested, these EVs often fall within a few thousand dollars of each other, positioning them as serious contenders for families seeking sustainable, high-capacity transport without sacrificing modern conveniences.

Performance, Range, and Charging Capabilities: The Core EV Metrics

When evaluating any electric vehicle, particularly one destined for family adventures, range, power, and charging speed are paramount. The 2025 ID. Buzz, in its AWD Pro S Plus trim, offers a robust 335 horsepower from its dual-motor setup, powered by a 91-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack. This combination delivers an EPA-estimated driving range of 231 miles on a full charge. For DC fast-charging, VW states the ID. Buzz can reach speeds of up to 200 kilowatts (kW), which is competitive for the segment, allowing for relatively quick top-ups on longer journeys.

The 2024 Kia EV9, specifically our long-term Land trim with AWD, comes equipped with a larger 99.8 kWh battery, providing a more generous EPA-estimated 280 miles of range. It also boasts a higher output of 379 horsepower, giving it a slight edge in raw acceleration. The EV9’s DC fast-charging capability is rated at up to 210 kW, marginally quicker than the ID. Buzz, translating to slightly less time spent waiting at a public charging station.

From an expert’s perspective, this difference in range is significant, especially for families planning regular long-distance EV travel. While 231 miles is perfectly adequate for most daily commutes and regional trips, the EV9’s 280 miles offers a greater buffer against range anxiety, particularly in less-than-ideal conditions like extreme cold or when heavily loaded. Both vehicles support advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), crucial for safety and reducing fatigue on long hauls, though the implementation varies. Understanding EV range anxiety solutions is critical, and a longer base range is often the most straightforward one.

Interior Space and Comfort: Where Families Live

This is where the rubber truly meets the road for family vehicles. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 are designed to move people, but they execute this fundamental task with different strengths.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Space Champion

The ID. Buzz leverages its van-like architecture to deliver an astonishing amount of interior volume. The driving position is commanding, reminiscent of a traditional van, providing excellent forward visibility. However, the upright windshield and extended roofline can occasionally obscure overhead stoplights, a minor ergonomic quirk.

Where the ID. Buzz truly shines is in its passenger accommodations. The second row is exceptionally roomy, offering generous legroom and headroom, making it a truly comfortable space for adults or growing teenagers. But the real game-changer is the third row. Unlike many three-row vehicles where the rearmost seats are relegated to small children, the ID. Buzz’s third row is genuinely adult-friendly. Taller passengers will find ample head- and legroom, rivaling the spaciousness of many second rows in other SUVs. For families frequently transporting six or seven adults, or multiple car seats, the ID. Buzz’s interior packaging is a clear winner. The overall airy and open cabin design contributes significantly to a feeling of spaciousness.

Kia EV9: SUV Refinement

The EV9, while incredibly spacious for an SUV, operates within the constraints of its segment. Its front seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering superior cushioning and bolstering compared to the ID. Buzz, making it ideal for the driver and front passenger on extended journeys. The second-row captain’s chairs are luxurious, often featuring ventilation and integrated window sunshades, enhancing comfort for middle-row occupants. The cabin feels open, especially with the dual moonroof setup.

However, the third row, while serviceable for adults on shorter trips, is noticeably tighter than the ID. Buzz’s. It’s best suited for children or smaller adults, especially if second-row passengers aren’t willing to slide their seats forward. Access to the third row in the EV9 is made easier by one-touch second-row folding and sliding mechanisms, a thoughtful touch for busy parents. For families with younger children, the EV9’s third row is perfectly adequate, but it struggles to match the sheer volumetric generosity of the ID. Buzz for larger occupants.

In-Cabin Storage and Practicality

Beyond just seating, family vehicles need smart storage solutions for the myriad items accompanying daily life.

Kia EV9: Thoughtful Organization

The EV9 excels in this practical department. Its front center console is a well-designed hub for small items and drinks, complemented by a large, open lower storage area beneath the console – perfect for larger bags or electronics. The integration of slide-out bins and trays for second-row passengers further enhances its utility, providing convenient spots for tablets, snacks, or toys. The EV9’s approach is more conventional but highly effective, prioritizing accessible and capacious storage.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Unique, but Less Volume

The ID. Buzz’s interior, while open and airy, offers less dedicated storage for smaller items. The center console between the front seats is compact, and its storage compartments aren’t as expansive as the EV9’s. While it boasts some clever, quirky features like a multi-functional bin divider that doubles as a bottle opener and ice scraper, these are more “fun” than genuinely practical for high-volume storage. The lack of a substantial open lower storage area means larger items might end up on the floor. While there’s plenty of space to put a backpack, it often lacks a designated, secure spot. The movable center console is a nice touch, offering flexibility, but it doesn’t compensate for the overall reduced dedicated storage volume. This aspect is crucial for families with kids who inevitably bring a lot of gear.

User Interface and Technology Experience

In 2025, an EV’s user interface (UI) can make or break the ownership experience. Both vehicles attempt to integrate advanced technology, but with varying degrees of success and philosophy.

Kia EV9: Blending Digital and Physical

The EV9 strikes a commendable balance between a modern touchscreen infotainment system and essential physical controls. Its 12.3-inch touchscreen is intuitive with logical menus, and crucially, key features like climate control temperature and heated/ventilated seats retain physical buttons. This allows for quick, tactile adjustments without having to dive into menus, which is a significant safety and convenience advantage while driving. A minor ergonomic flaw is the climate system touch panel on the dashboard, which can be partially obstructed by the steering wheel for some drivers, but these controls can be mirrored on the main touchscreen for easier access. The integration of blind-spot camera views when signaling is also a valuable safety feature.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Touch-Heavy Frustration

The ID. Buzz’s UI, while featuring an attractive 12.9-inch touchscreen with excellent graphics and rich colors, suffers from VW’s current reliance on touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, for instance, can be frustrating and prone to accidental activation, such as inadvertently engaging cruise control. Similarly, the haptic sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the precision and immediate feedback of physical knobs. This “touch-first” approach, a recurring theme in modern VWs, often requires more cognitive load from the driver, detracting from the overall driving experience. While the infotainment system itself is responsive, unnecessary pauses and occasional locking for “safety reasons” can further impede usability. For a next-generation electric vehicle, intuitive controls are paramount.

Interior Quality and Design Aesthetic

The interior quality in this price segment should feel premium, justifying the significant investment.

Kia EV9: Understated Durability

The EV9 delivers a high standard of material quality, with soft-touch surfaces strategically placed where occupants’ arms naturally rest. The upholstery feels robust and durable, a key consideration for a family EV that will endure years of active use. Despite its sometimes somber all-gray color scheme, the fit and finish are excellent, and our long-term tester with over 10,000 miles shows minimal wear, demonstrating its built-to-last quality. It might not be the most visually exciting interior, but it’s undoubtedly well-crafted and practical.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Whimsical Meets Practical

The ID. Buzz’s interior is undeniably more colorful and visually interesting, reflecting its playful exterior. While it features some high-quality and visually appealing materials, it also relies more heavily on hard plastics in common touchpoints than the EV9. The overall build quality is solid, but it doesn’t quite match the consistent soft-touch luxury feel of the Kia. The vibrant design is a huge draw, but discerning buyers expecting a $70,000+ interior might find certain material choices a slight departure from premium expectations.

Cargo Space and Versatility: Hauling Gear and Groceries

For families, cargo capacity is almost as important as passenger space. Both EVs approach this with unique solutions.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Unrivaled Adaptability

Behind the third row, the ID. Buzz offers around 10 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the EV9. However, the ID. Buzz truly shines when its third row is folded or, even better, removed. With the third row folded, cargo space expands to a respectable 30.8 cubic feet. When the modular third-row sections are entirely removed (a process that requires some effort, as each section weighs around 60 pounds, and also involves removing a cargo shelf), the ID. Buzz transforms into a cavernous hauler, boasting an astonishing 48.9 cubic feet of space by our measurements. This is more than double the EV9’s maximum capacity with its third row down. For families who frequently need to transport large items, sports equipment, or simply need maximum flexibility for cargo, the ID. Buzz’s van-like utility is unmatched. It lacks a frunk, which is a minor concession.

Kia EV9: Conventional, Yet Capacious

The EV9’s cargo area is more conventional, akin to a traditional three-row SUV. It provides around 10 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to 23.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down. It also features convenient underfloor storage and a small frunk (front trunk), which is a useful addition for storing charging cables or small bags. While highly functional for most family needs, including strollers and groceries, it cannot match the sheer volume and adaptable space of the ID. Buzz, particularly when the latter’s third row is completely out. The EV9’s cargo area is easier to reconfigure quickly due to its fixed seating, making it a good choice for those who need frequent changes between passenger and cargo modes without heavy lifting.

Driving Experience: On the Road with Your Family

How these vehicles drive plays a critical role in daily enjoyment and long-term satisfaction.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Refined and Agile

The ID. Buzz delivers a surprisingly agile and refined driving experience. Despite its larger profile and heavier curb weight compared to the EV9, it feels responsive from a standstill, with smooth and predictable power delivery. The suspension tuning, while firm, is notably more refined than the Kia’s, absorbing bumps with less noise and jarring. The steering is light and precise, making the ID. Buzz feel more nimble than its size suggests. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers near-one-pedal driving, a convenient feature for city commutes, though it requires a brake pedal input for a complete stop. Overall visibility is good, despite the unique front glass and short nose creating a different perspective. It truly feels like a pleasant cruiser, ideal for stress-free family travel.

Kia EV9: Sportier Edge, Firmer Ride

The EV9, while an excellent EV, presents a different driving character. It offers a more conventional SUV driving position and outward visibility, though some drivers might find the B-pillar obstructs their view. Its 379 horsepower provides a noticeable sporting edge over the ID. Buzz, especially when pushed. However, its suspension is less refined, resulting in more noticeable tire and wind noise at speed, and bumps can intrude into the cabin more readily. While it offers multiple regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, the overall ride quality can be harsher than the ID. Buzz. The EV9’s different drive modes (Eco, Sport) also have a more pronounced effect on the driving dynamics, allowing drivers to tailor the experience more significantly. Forward visibility is good, and the rearview camera mirror is a helpful feature when the rear window is obstructed. For families prioritizing a more “SUV-like” drive with a sportier feel, the EV9 might appeal, but at the cost of some ride comfort compared to the VW.

Cold-Weather Efficiency: The EV Achilles’ Heel

Cold weather significantly impacts EV range, a critical factor for families in colder climates. Our real-world testing in freezing temperatures revealed distinct differences.

In a roughly 110-mile mixed highway and country road route, with ambient temperatures between 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit, both vehicles saw a substantial drop in their estimated range compared to EPA figures. The climate systems were set to Auto mode at a comfortable cabin temperature.

The Kia EV9, with its larger battery and higher initial range estimate, performed slightly better, averaging 2.1 miles per kWh and consuming 135 miles of estimated range for 113 miles traveled. It finished with 114 miles of remaining range. The ID. Buzz, averaging 1.8 miles per kWh, consumed 150 miles of estimated range for 111 miles traveled, leaving only 48 miles of remaining range.

This test highlights that while neither EV is ideal for long cold-weather road trips without frequent charging stops, the EV9’s greater initial range provides a crucial advantage. That extra buffer means fewer charging stops and less range anxiety when temperatures plummet. Families in regions with harsh winters should strongly consider the EV9’s superior cold-weather range as a critical factor. For either, understanding electric vehicle charging speed and planning routes with reliable charging infrastructure is essential.

Which Is the Better Family EV for You in 2025?

The choice between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 ultimately boils down to your family’s specific priorities and lifestyle. Both represent excellent strides in sustainable family transport, but they cater to different needs.

If your primary concern is maximum occupant space across all three rows, particularly for adults or larger teenagers, and you frequently carry a full complement of passengers along with adaptable cargo, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your unrivaled champion. Its cavernous, versatile interior, combined with a surprisingly refined and pleasant driving experience, makes it an ideal choice for large families who embrace its distinctive retro-modern aesthetic. It’s a statement vehicle that prioritizes space and comfort above all else. However, be mindful of its slightly shorter range and the less intuitive touch-heavy user interface.

Alternatively, if you prioritize longer driving range, a more conventional (yet still futuristic) SUV driving experience, superior front-row comfort, and a user interface that balances digital innovation with the practicality of physical controls, the 2024 Kia EV9 makes a compelling case. It’s a more well-rounded three-row electric SUV that functions exceptionally well as a primary family vehicle, offering impressive range for daily use and more tolerable cold-weather performance. Its cargo space is good, though not as adaptable as the ID. Buzz’s, and its third row is better suited for children.

Ultimately, both these premium electric vehicles are cutting-edge options for 2025, pushing the boundaries of what a family EV can be. They demonstrate that you no longer have to compromise on space, style, or sustainability.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Electric Family Future

The world of electric car ownership is evolving rapidly, and the ID. Buzz and EV9 are at the forefront of this exciting transformation. To truly appreciate the unique qualities of each, nothing beats firsthand experience. We invite you to visit your local Volkswagen and Kia dealerships. Schedule a test drive today to experience the unparalleled spaciousness of the ID. Buzz or the refined power of the EV9. Discover which of these exceptional best electric family cars aligns perfectly with your family’s dynamic lifestyle and paves the way for your next decade of adventure.