VW ID. Buzz vs. Kia EV9: Boulder Comparison
The closest cross-shop to the electric microbus: the practical, long-range Kia EV9 versus the unmistakable VW ID. Buzz.
The all-new ID. Buzz arrives for 2028. Due in the first half of 2027, it adds an integrated NACS charge port (no adapter needed) to match the EV9’s native-charging convenience, plus a Tourer 4Motion camping trim and Vehicle-to-Load power to run gear straight from the battery.
The short version
Range and value vs. style and van space
If you want an electric three-row that isn’t a Tesla, these two top the list. The Kia EV9 is the pragmatic pick: more EPA range (up to 305 miles vs. the ID. Buzz’s 234), a lower starting price (around $56,545), and a conventional SUV shape with strong tech.
The ID. Buzz answers with something the EV9 can’t match: genuine character. It’s an electric Microbus — sliding doors, a huge, airy cabin, up to ~145 cubic feet of cargo, and a camper-conversion path through Peace Vans. If range and value lead your list, the EV9 wins; if style, space and van practicality matter more, the ID. Buzz is unlike anything else.
ID. Buzz vs. EV9: side by side
| Spec | VW ID. Buzz (2025) | Kia EV9 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | ~$59,995 + $1,550 | ~$54,900 + $1,645 |
| EPA range | Up to 234 mi | Up to 305 mi |
| Power | 282 hp RWD / 335 hp AWD | 201 hp RWD / 379 hp AWD |
| DC fast charging | 200 kW · ~26 min | ~235 kW · ~24 min |
| Seating | 6-7 | 6-7 |
| Max cargo | Up to ~145 cu ft | 81.7 cu ft |
| Rear doors | Sliding | Conventional |
ID. Buzz specs shown are the most recent model; VW’s all-new MY2028 arrives in the first half of 2027. EV9 figures: 2026, Kia + EPA. EV9 photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized. Sep 2026.
Where each pulls ahead
The EV9 goes farther on a charge; the ID. Buzz swallows far more cargo and adds sliding doors and singular style.
Three reasons Boulder buyers pick the ID. Buzz
Up to ~145 cubic feet dwarfs the EV9’s 81.7 — the ID. Buzz is a true van for gear and adventures.
Sliding rear doors, an airy cabin and an unmistakable design set the Buzz apart in any parking lot.
Peace Vans builds the first US ID. Buzz camper — a path the EV9 doesn’t offer.
Where the EV9 genuinely wins
The EV9 is the more rational buy: it travels farther on a charge (up to 305 miles vs. 234), starts lower, charges a touch faster, and delivers three-row electric space in a familiar SUV package with excellent tech and a long warranty.
The ID. Buzz counters with character, cargo and van practicality that no SUV matches — plus the Peace Vans camper option. If maximum range and value lead, buy the EV9; if you want the most distinctive, most spacious electric family hauler, drive the ID. Buzz at Emich.
Which one is right for you?
- You want maximum cargo and van practicality.
- You love the one-of-a-kind design and sliding doors.
- You might add a Peace Vans camper.
- You want the most range for the money.
- You want a lower starting price.
- You prefer a conventional SUV shape.
Drive the ID. Buzz in Boulder
We are at 2470 49th Street, minutes off the Diagonal. Come drive a ID. Buzz on real Boulder roads and compare for yourself.
Specifications and pricing are sourced from Volkswagen of America, Kia and fueleconomy.gov and are subject to change. MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, registration, options and dealer charges. Comparison prepared by Emich Volkswagen of Boulder; not affiliated with or endorsed by Kia.