Woman Thinks She’s Entitled to Steal, Claims Police Harassment
Get the latest updates on Woman Thinks She’s Entitled to Steal, Claims Police Harassment. Read our detailed coverage and stay informed.
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2025 Kia EV9: The Ultimate Family EV Showdown
The automotive landscape for families in 2025 is electric, dynamic, and brimming with innovation. For years, the choices for a practical, three-row electric vehicle felt limited, often requiring significant compromises. Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing the dawn of truly compelling contenders, each vying for the top spot in your garage. Among the most talked-about are two vehicles that couldn’t be more different in their styling ethos, yet converge brilliantly on their mission: to move families in comfort, style, and zero emissions.
I’m talking, of course, about the much-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already-impactful 2025 Kia EV9. As someone who’s spent a decade navigating the intricacies of electric vehicle development and consumer trends, I can tell you these aren’t just new models; they’re statements. The ID. Buzz, a nostalgic nod to VW’s iconic Microbus, reborn as a cutting-edge electric van, brings a unique blend of charm and practicality. The Kia EV9, on the other hand, is a bold, futuristic SUV that redefines what a family hauler can be, pushing boundaries with its sharp lines and innovative features.
Both vehicles aim to be the definitive family EV solution, offering three rows of seating and advanced electric powertrains. While their exterior designs diverge wildly – one a retro-futuristic van, the other a commanding, angular SUV – their core purpose as premium electric people movers puts them in direct competition. With as-tested pricing hovering in the $70,000 range for well-equipped AWD models, the choice isn’t about affordability as much as it is about optimizing for your family’s specific lifestyle and priorities.
In this deep dive, we’ll strip away the marketing hype and get down to the real-world performance and livability of these two fascinating three-row electric vehicles. Which one delivers the superior experience for the modern American family? Let’s break down every crucial aspect, from interior comfort to cold-weather efficiency, to help you make an informed decision on your next sustainable family transport investment.
Specifications at a Glance: Power, Range, and Charging
Before we delve into the subjective experiences, let’s establish a baseline with the objective figures for these top electric SUVs and vans.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, in its AWD Pro S Plus trim, boasts a dual-motor powertrain delivering 335 horsepower. Its 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack provides an EPA-estimated driving range of 231 miles. When it comes to recharging, the ID. Buzz supports DC fast charging at speeds up to 200 kilowatts, ensuring relatively quick pit stops on longer journeys.
The 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD, our long-term test vehicle, comes equipped with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, pushing its EPA-estimated range to a more generous 280 miles. Its dual-motor setup is slightly more potent, generating 379 horsepower. The EV9 also edges out the Buzz in DC fast-charging capability, with speeds up to 210 kW. While these range figures are respectable, it’s crucial to remember that real-world conditions, especially cold weather EV efficiency, can impact them significantly. Both vehicles represent the pinnacle of advanced EV technology in their segments.
Interior Space & Comfort: Where Families Truly Live
When selecting a three-row electric SUV or van, the interior experience is paramount. This isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about making the journey as comfortable, spacious, and enjoyable as possible for everyone on board.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Space Conqueror
The ID. Buzz makes an immediate impression with its sheer volume. Stepping into the driver’s seat feels like entering a modern, elevated command center. The driving position is commanding, almost akin to a delivery van, providing excellent outward visibility straight ahead. However, the upright windshield and extended roofline can occasionally obscure overhead traffic lights, requiring a slight head tilt – a minor quirk that becomes familiar over time.
Where the ID. Buzz truly shines is in its passenger accommodations, particularly in the often-neglected third row. This isn’t a penalty box; it’s a genuinely spacious area capable of comfortably seating taller adults. The second row is equally generous, offering expansive legroom and headroom, making long trips much more tolerable for passengers. While the seats themselves are firm, they offer good support, ensuring comfort even on extended drives. If your primary goal is to transport seven passengers with maximum individual space, the ID. Buzz presents a compelling argument. Its long wheelbase contributes significantly to this open, airy cabin feel, making it an ideal candidate for families who prioritize occupant comfort above all else.
Kia EV9: Refined, But With Compromises
The Kia EV9 offers a more traditional SUV seating experience, albeit a very refined one. The front seats are exceptionally well-cushioned and supportive, offering a superior level of comfort for the driver and front passenger compared to the Buzz. Features like ventilated captain’s chairs in the second row, integrated window sunshades, and a dual moonroof setup contribute to a premium, open cabin feel.
However, the EV9’s Achilles’ heel in this comparison is its third row. While perfectly adequate for children or smaller adults on shorter trips, it simply cannot match the cavernous space of the ID. Buzz. Adults can make it work, provided second-row passengers are willing to slide their seats forward, but it remains a tighter squeeze. Access to the third row is facilitated by convenient one-touch second-row folding and sliding, a thoughtful touch. The EV9’s overall interior, while high-quality, leans more towards a traditional luxury SUV, which means some compromises in outright voluminous space compared to the van-like dimensions of the ID. Buzz. This makes the EV9 a strong contender for those seeking a premium electric SUV experience, but with a slight asterisk next to maximum third-row adult comfort.
Verdict: For maximum occupant space across all three rows, especially for taller adults, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the clear winner. The EV9 offers superb front and second-row comfort, but its third row is better suited for younger passengers.
In-Cabin Storage: Practicality for the Daily Grind
A family vehicle needs to be a mobile command center, capable of stashing everything from sippy cups to smartphones, snacks, and school supplies. Thoughtful storage solutions can dramatically improve the daily usability of an EV.
Kia EV9: The Organizational Master
The EV9 truly excels in practical, well-designed storage. Its front center console is a multi-functional hub, offering ample space for drinks, small items, and even larger objects in its open lower storage area. The sliding console tray for second-row passengers is also a brilliant addition, offering flexible utility. Every nook and cranny feels designed with purpose, ensuring that your essentials have a designated spot, preventing clutter. This focus on utilitarian design makes the EV9 a highly livable space for active families.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Open Concept, Less Defined
The ID. Buzz, while undeniably roomy, takes a more open-concept approach to in-cabin storage, which has its pros and cons. The space between the front seats is vast, allowing for larger items like backpacks or purses to be placed on the floor. However, dedicated small-item storage is less abundant. The center console is smaller than the EV9’s, and while it has some clever features like a small bin that opens from the back, it doesn’t offer the same level of organized utility. Fun touches like bottle openers doubling as ice scrapers are charming, but perhaps less practical than the EV9’s straightforward bins. The nearly hidden wireless phone charger, while functional, might not accommodate larger phones with cases, which can be a minor annoyance. For those who value a clean, minimalist aesthetic and don’t mind stowing larger items on the floor, the Buzz’s approach works. For meticulous organizers, the EV9 will feel more intuitive.
Verdict: The Kia EV9’s larger, more numerous, and better-integrated storage bins make it the more practical choice for stashing everyday family essentials.
User Interface: Navigating the Digital Future
The infotainment system and overall user interface (UI) are crucial aspects of any modern vehicle, especially an EV. A well-designed UI can make the difference between a frustration-free journey and a constant battle with technology.
Kia EV9: The Harmonious Blend
The EV9 strikes a commendable balance between modern touchscreen functionality and essential physical controls. Its touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive, with responsive menus and clear graphics. Crucially, Kia has retained physical buttons for frequently used features like climate control temperature, audio volume, and seat heating/ventilation. This hybrid approach allows drivers to quickly adjust critical settings without diving through multiple menus, enhancing safety and convenience. While the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel for some drivers, and the drive mode selector/start-stop button combo is a bit unique, the overall experience is logical and user-friendly. The inclusion of physical controls for electric car infotainment systems is a design choice I appreciate as an expert.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Touch-Sensitive Dilemma
Volkswagen’s latest UI iterations, as seen in the ID. Buzz, lean heavily into touch-sensitive controls, a design philosophy that continues to polarize users. While the 12.9-inch touchscreen itself boasts excellent graphics, vibrant colors, and generally responsive tile menus, the reliance on haptic feedback for controls beyond the screen can be a source of frustration. Steering-wheel controls, volume, and temperature adjustments are all touch-sensitive, lacking the tactile reassurance of physical buttons. Accidental inputs, like inadvertently engaging cruise control with a casual swipe, are a common complaint. The slider controls for volume and temperature, while visually sleek, lack the precision of a traditional dial. Furthermore, the system can occasionally experience unnecessary pauses when adjusting climate or even lock up temporarily for “safety reasons,” interrupting the flow of interaction. While visually appealing, the ID. Buzz’s UI demands a learning curve and can be less intuitive for quick, on-the-go adjustments, especially when dealing with the distractions of family life.
Verdict: The Kia EV9’s more traditional layout, blending a responsive touchscreen with well-placed physical controls, offers a more intuitive and less frustrating user experience, putting it ahead in this crucial category.
Interior Quality & Design Philosophy: Aesthetic and Durability
Beyond functionality, the tactile feel and visual appeal of an interior contribute significantly to the overall sense of value and comfort, particularly in vehicles commanding a $70,000+ price tag.
Kia EV9: Understated Premium Durability
The EV9’s interior quality is undoubtedly very good. Kia has utilized high-quality, soft-touch surfaces in key areas where occupants’ arms and hands naturally rest. The upholstery feels robust and durable, a crucial aspect for a family EV. Despite over 10,000 miles on our long-term test vehicle, the interior shows no signs of significant wear or creakiness, a testament to its solid construction. The design aesthetic is clean, modern, and perhaps a bit understated, favoring functionality and long-term durability over flashy design elements. While some might find the all-gray interior color scheme a bit somber, its resilience and premium feel are undeniable. This premium electric SUV delivers on material quality, if not always on vibrant personality.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Playful Character, Mixed Materials
The ID. Buzz, true to its heritage, brings a much more playful and colorful aesthetic to the interior. Its two-tone color schemes and unique design elements evoke a sense of cheerfulness and retro charm. The overall build quality is solid, and there are visually interesting materials on some surfaces. However, the ID. Buzz also relies more heavily on hard plastics in certain common touchpoints compared to the EV9. While the design is captivating and distinctive, the tactile experience of the materials doesn’t always align with its premium price point in the same way the EV9’s does. It’s a trade-off: more personality and visual flair in the Buzz, versus a more consistently premium feel in the EV9.
Verdict: While both vehicles offer solid construction, the Kia EV9 edges out the ID. Buzz with more pervasive soft-touch surfaces and a generally higher-quality feel in its upholstery, delivering a more consistently premium experience, albeit with a less whimsical design.
Cargo Versatility: Hauling More Than Just People
A family electric vehicle must be versatile, capable of transforming from a passenger hauler to a cargo carrier at a moment’s notice. The ability to accommodate luggage, groceries, sports equipment, or even furniture is a critical differentiating factor.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Master of Transformation
The ID. Buzz truly embraces its van roots when it comes to cargo. While the measured space behind the third row is similar to the EV9 (around 10 cubic feet), the Buzz’s real magic happens when you start folding and, crucially, removing seats. With the third row folded, it offers a respectable 30.8 cubic feet. However, the pièce de résistance is the ability to entirely remove the third-row seats, opening up a massive 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space – more than double the EV9’s capacity in the same configuration. This transformational capability makes the ID. Buzz an unparalleled cargo hauler among electric vans. It also features a clever cargo shelf that aligns with the folded third-row backrest, creating a flat load floor. The only minor caveats are the weight of the individual third-row seat sections (around 60 pounds each) and the need to remove the cargo shelf for maximum volume, requiring a place to store these components when not in use. The lack of a frunk (front trunk) is also noteworthy.
Kia EV9: Competent and Conventional
The EV9 offers a much more conventional approach to cargo, akin to a traditional gas-powered three-row SUV. It provides a good amount of space with the third row up and an even larger area when folded, measuring 23.4 cubic feet. The underfloor cargo storage and a small frunk add to its utility, providing convenient spots for charging cables or smaller items. Accessing the cargo area is straightforward, and the process of folding seats is intuitive. While highly competent for typical family cargo needs, the EV9 simply cannot match the sheer volume and transformational capabilities of the ID. Buzz when maximum hauling capacity is required.
Verdict: For ultimate cargo versatility, especially when large, bulky items need to be transported, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, with its removable third row, offers significantly more usable space. The EV9 is competent but more conventional.
Driving Experience: On the Road Performance
Beyond their practical aspects, how these electric vehicles perform on the road is a key differentiator. From acceleration to ride comfort and handling dynamics, the driving experience can make or break a purchase decision.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Surprisingly Agile and Refined
The ID. Buzz genuinely surprises behind the wheel. Despite its van-like stature and heavier curb weight, it feels remarkably nimble and buttoned-up. The dual-motor AWD system provides smooth, quiet, and predictable power delivery. In Comfort drive mode, the accelerator response is immediate, making it feel more eager off the line than the EV9. The suspension tuning, while firm, is exceptionally refined, absorbing road imperfections with a composure that belies its heritage. Crucially, the ID. Buzz’s suspension operates quietly, avoiding the noisiness that can sometimes plague large EVs. Steering is light and precise, and despite sitting high, the vehicle never feels top-heavy. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers near-one-pedal driving, though it requires a brake pedal input to come to a complete stop, which can take some getting used to. Outward visibility is generally good, despite the unique windshield design and short nose. This makes the ID. Buzz a surprisingly pleasant cruiser, exceeding expectations for an electric van.
Kia EV9: SUV Familiarity with a Sportier Edge
The Kia EV9 offers a driving experience more akin to a conventional three-row SUV, which will appeal to many. Its driving position and outward visibility are familiar, though the left-side B-pillar can create a blind spot for some. While more powerful on paper (379 hp vs. 335 hp), the EV9 feels less responsive off the line in everyday driving compared to the Buzz. Its suspension, while competent, isn’t as refined as the VW’s; it can transmit more noise and harshness into the cabin over broken pavement. Tire and wind noise are also more noticeable at highway speeds.
However, the EV9 offers more noticeable differentiation between its drive modes, with Eco feeling genuinely sedate and Sport mode injecting a palpable increase in responsiveness and a firmer ride. The Kia also provides more granular control over regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which many EV enthusiasts prefer. Rear visibility is generally better than the Buzz, augmented by useful blind-spot camera views and an available rearview camera mirror if the view is obstructed by passengers or cargo. For those accustomed to the feel of a traditional SUV, the EV9 delivers a highly capable and, in Sport mode, a relatively sporty experience.
Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz offers a surprisingly agile, refined, and quiet driving experience, making it a joy to pilot. The Kia EV9 provides a more conventional SUV feel with a sportier edge and superior one-pedal driving, but at the cost of some ride refinement compared to the Buzz.
Cold-Weather Efficiency & Real-World Range: The EV Litmus Test
For any long-range electric vehicle, efficiency, especially in adverse conditions, is paramount. Cold weather is a notorious range killer for EVs, making real-world testing crucial for families planning winter excursions.
Our cold-weather efficiency drive, spanning approximately 110 miles of mixed interstate and country roads with temperatures hovering between 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit, revealed significant insights into these advanced EV technologies. Both vehicles were driven with climate control in Auto mode at a comfortable cabin temperature.
Kia EV9: The Range Advantage
Before starting, the EV9 displayed 249 miles of estimated range, a solid figure even with the cold. Over the 113-mile route, it consumed 135 miles of estimated range, leaving 114 miles remaining. This translated to an average efficiency of 2.1 miles per kWh. The EV9’s larger battery pack and slightly better efficiency translate into a tangible advantage in real-world EV range, particularly when temperatures plummet. Its longer range electric vehicle capabilities make it a more reassuring choice for families contemplating longer cold-weather trips, reducing the frequency of charging stops.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Cold Weather Challenge
The ID. Buzz started with an estimated range of 198 miles, already reflecting the impact of the cold. After traveling 111 miles, it had consumed 150 miles of range, leaving a mere 48 miles remaining. Its average efficiency came in at 1.8 miles per kWh. While not drastically worse, combined with its smaller battery, this translates to a significantly shorter practical range in freezing temperatures. For routine daily driving in the cold, it’s perfectly fine, but for EV road trips during winter, the ID. Buzz would require more frequent and carefully planned charging stops.
Verdict: The 2025 Kia EV9 is demonstrably more efficient in cold weather and, more importantly, its larger battery provides a much greater usable range, making it the more suitable choice for families facing frequent cold-weather driving or longer journeys.
Which Is Right For Your Family in 2025?
The choice between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 is not about one being definitively “better” across the board. It’s about aligning the vehicle’s strengths with your family’s unique needs and priorities for sustainable family transport. Both represent cutting-edge electric family vehicles and will likely feature heavily in many electric vehicle reviews 2025.
If your family’s absolute top priority is maximum interior space and comfort for all seven occupants, especially adults in the third row, the ID. Buzz is unparalleled. Its generous legroom, headroom, and transformative cargo capabilities make it an ideal people and gear hauler. If you’ve always dreamt of owning a modernized, charismatic VW Bus and want a vehicle that truly stands out, the ID. Buzz delivers on charisma in spades. Its surprisingly refined driving dynamics and unique aesthetic make it more than just a functional van; it’s a lifestyle statement. However, its lower cold-weather range and sometimes-frustrating touch-sensitive controls are points to consider.
Conversely, if you desire a premium electric SUV that offers a more conventional, yet still futuristic, driving experience, superior in-cabin storage, a more intuitive user interface, and robust cold-weather range for extended trips, the Kia EV9 is likely your best bet. It combines the familiarity of an SUV with the efficiency and innovation of an EV, making it a more well-rounded primary vehicle for many families. Its high-quality interior and strong efficiency are clear advantages. While its third row isn’t as spacious as the Buzz’s, it’s perfectly adequate for most family needs.
Ultimately, both of these best 3-row electric SUVs 2025 (and the Buzz, technically a van) represent significant advancements in the EV market. They offer compelling visions for the future of electric mobility. Consider your daily commute, your weekend adventures, and how often you’ll truly be filling all three rows. Your ideal electric car investment hinges on these personal factors.
Ready to experience the future of family transportation? We invite you to delve deeper into our comprehensive resources, explore current offers, or better yet, schedule a test drive to feel the innovation firsthand. Discover which of these exceptional electric vehicles truly sparks joy and fits seamlessly into your family’s dynamic lifestyle.
