If you’re shopping the U.S. used EV market for a **three-row family hauler**, two of the most interesting choices are the **Volkswagen ID.Buzz** and the **Kia EV9**. Both give you seven seats, modern tech, and fully electric driving, but they take very different approaches. This guide looks specifically at **used VW ID.Buzz vs Kia EV9** models so you can decide which one actually fits your family, commute, and budget.
Why this comparison matters for used buyers
Overview: Used VW ID.Buzz vs Kia EV9
Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz is a retro-inspired **electric minivan** that leans hard into nostalgia and interior space. It arrived in the U.S. for the **2025 model year** with three main trims (Pro S, Pro S Plus, 1st Edition) in rear- or all-wheel drive, and it’s already on enthusiasts’ short lists thanks to that Microbus look.
The **Kia EV9** is a more conventional-looking **three-row SUV**, closely related to the Telluride in mission but built on Kia’s dedicated EV platform. It offers multiple trims, batteries, and power outputs, with up to about 304 miles of EPA range on certain rear-drive versions and strong fast‑charging performance.
Model-year and availability caveat
Quick Specs for Used VW ID.Buzz and Kia EV9
Headline Specs: 2025 VW ID.Buzz vs 2025 Kia EV9 (New-Model Baseline)
These new-vehicle specs are useful reference points when evaluating used examples. Always verify exact specs on the specific VIN you’re considering.
| Spec | VW ID.Buzz (US long wheelbase) | Kia EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Body style | Electric minivan / van | Electric 3-row SUV |
| Max seating | 7 | 7 |
| Drive | RWD or AWD | RWD or AWD |
| Battery (usable approx.) | ~86 kWh | 76.1 or 99.8 kWh |
| EPA max range | Up to ~234 miles (RWD) | Up to 304 miles (Light Long Range RWD) |
| DC fast-charge peak | ~200 kW | Up to ~350 kW architecture (215 kW peak on many trims) |
| 0–60 mph (quicker trims) | ~5.5 seconds (AWD) | ~5.0 seconds (GT-Line AWD) |
| Towing capacity | ≈1,650 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| New MSRP band (2025) | About $61,500–$71,500 | About $56,000–$75,000 |
Key range, power, and capacity figures that shape used ownership.
How to translate new specs to a used search
Space, Seating, and Practicality
Volkswagen ID.Buzz: Clever van packaging
The ID.Buzz is essentially a tall, squared‑off box on wheels, and that’s a compliment. The long wheelbase and upright body give it excellent headroom and a huge cargo hold. It feels like a modern minivan inside, with lots of glass and a more open, lounge‑like vibe than most SUVs.
- Third row: Adults fit more comfortably than in most three-row crossovers.
- Cargo: Massive space with seats folded, great for bikes, Ikea runs, or camping gear.
- Sliding doors: If you’re juggling car seats in tight parking lots, powered sliders can be a lifesaver.
Kia EV9: Traditional SUV versatility
The EV9 packages its three rows in a more familiar SUV shape. You still get adult‑friendly space in the first two rows, and the third row is usable for kids or occasional adult duty, but it doesn’t feel quite as airy as the Buzz.
- Third row: Usable, but legroom trails the ID.Buzz; better for kids and teens.
- Cargo: Solid space behind the third row and competitive with midsize SUVs.
- Roof rails & towing: It’s easier to treat the EV9 like a traditional SUV, cargo box on top, trailer out back (up to 5,000 lbs on many trims).
Who wins on space?
Real-World Range and Charging Experience
Range and Charging: What Used Shoppers Should Expect
EPA labels tell part of the story; used condition and driving patterns tell the rest.
VW ID.Buzz range
Most U.S. ID.Buzz models are rated around 231–234 miles of EPA range, depending on drive type. In independent highway tests, owners tend to see closer to 190–210 miles at 70–75 mph, especially when loaded.
Kia EV9 range
The EV9 spans a wide range of ratings, from about 230 miles on base trims to roughly 304 miles on Light Long Range RWD. Real‑world highway results have been strong, often landing within 10–15% of the EPA number.
Charging speeds
The ID.Buzz supports around 200 kW DC fast charging, good for roughly 10–80% in the mid‑20‑minute range. The EV9 rides on an 800‑volt architecture, with peak rates over 200 kW and 10–80% times in the 20–25‑minute window when conditions are ideal.
Range reality check for used shoppers
If your family regularly does **200–250‑mile highway stretches between charges**, the Kia EV9, especially in its long‑range RWD form, offers a more comfortable buffer. The ID.Buzz can absolutely handle road trips, but you’ll plan stops a bit more carefully and accept a tighter margin in winter or with bikes on the back.
Used-EV Range Checklist
1. Confirm original EPA rating
Look up the year, trim, battery size, and drive type to know what the vehicle was rated for when new.
2. Review charging history
Frequent DC fast charging or leaving the battery at 100% for days at a time can accelerate degradation.
3. Ask about typical commute
Light, mostly city driving is easier on the battery than repeated 80‑mph highway blasts with a trailer attached.
4. Get a battery health report
A service like the <strong>Recharged Score</strong> quantifies remaining capacity so you’re not guessing about real‑world range.
Driving Experience: Van Charm vs SUV Confidence
How the ID.Buzz drives
The Buzz is tuned as a comfortable family shuttle. Steering is light, visibility is excellent, and the cabin has an airy feel that makes even short errands feel special. Power is more than adequate, especially in dual‑motor form, but the focus is on smoothness, not drama.
- Pros: Relaxed ride, commanding view, character for days.
- Cons: More body roll than an SUV; crosswinds can be noticeable thanks to the tall profile.
How the Kia EV9 drives
The EV9 feels like a solid, upscale SUV. Dual‑motor trims deliver strong acceleration, some trims dip into the low‑5‑second 0–60 mph range, and the chassis feels composed on the highway.
- Pros: Confident handling, quieter at speed, more engaging if you like to drive.
- Cons: Slightly firmer ride on big wheels; not as roomy or whimsical as the Buzz.
Noise and comfort on long drives
Ownership Costs, Depreciation, and Incentives
How These EVs Behave Financially
As new vehicles, both the ID.Buzz and EV9 are expensive. The good news for you as a used buyer is that **early depreciation has already happened**. A two‑ or three‑year‑old EV9, in particular, can look extremely compelling compared with a new one on the lot. The ID.Buzz, with its limited supply and more niche appeal, is likely to hold value a bit better, at least in the short term, because enthusiasts love it and there simply aren’t many around.
Watch for tax-credit confusion
Day‑to‑day running costs are low for both, no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and cheaper “fuel” per mile than gasoline in most regions. Your biggest variables will be **insurance, tires (these are heavy vehicles), and electricity rates**. The slightly more efficient EV9 may save you a bit over tens of thousands of miles, but the difference isn’t usually a deal‑breaker either way.
Reliability, Recalls, and Long-Term Confidence
Neither of these vehicles has a long decades‑deep track record yet, but both manufacturers have solid experience building EVs. As of early 2026, the data set is still relatively small, so the smart move is to approach each used example as an individual, not just a model name.
What We Know So Far About Reliability
Early patterns and headlines you should be aware of before you buy used.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
- Recalls: Early U.S. models saw a notable recall related to the third-row bench and seatbelt layout, requiring a trim fix to ensure only two passengers sit there.
- Sales pause: Volkswagen has announced a temporary U.S. pause after the 2025 model year, with a return planned later. That doesn’t strand existing owners, but it may affect dealer familiarity.
- Service network: VW dealers are still getting up to speed on this specific model.
Kia EV9
- Platform maturity: The EV9 rides on Kia’s EV‑dedicated platform shared with other models, giving Kia more experience with the hardware.
- Warranty strength: Kia’s 5‑year/60,000‑mile basic and 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain and battery warranties (from in‑service date) are a major plus for used buyers.
- Dealer familiarity: More EV9s on the road means more technicians and parts experience, which helps if something does go wrong.
Don’t skip a pre-purchase inspection
Which Used Three-Row EV Fits You Best?
Used VW ID.Buzz vs Kia EV9: Best Fit by Buyer Type
Match your priorities to the vehicle’s strengths.
Choose a used VW ID.Buzz if…
- You love the retro design and want something that stands out in every parking lot.
- Your priority is interior space, sliding doors, and kid‑friendly access more than towing.
- Your driving is mostly urban/suburban with occasional trips, so ~200 miles of real‑world highway range works for you.
- You’re okay paying a bit more on the used market for a rarer, more characterful EV.
Choose a used Kia EV9 if…
- You want the most range and fastest charging you can reasonably get in a three‑row EV today.
- You tow a small camper or boat, or frequently drive loaded on the highway.
- You prefer a traditional SUV shape and driving feel over van vibes.
- You value Kia’s long warranty coverage and larger dealer footprint.
Bottom line verdict
How Recharged Helps You Buy a Used ID.Buzz or EV9 With Confidence
Both of these EVs are complex, high‑value vehicles. When you’re buying used, you want more than a shiny photo and a guess at battery health. That’s where Recharged is built to help.
- Every vehicle on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health, fair‑market pricing, and a transparent history profile.
- You can browse and buy completely online, or visit our Recharged Experience Center in Richmond, VA if you prefer to see and drive in person.
- Our EV specialists can help you compare trims, Light vs Land, Pro S vs Pro S Plus, and explain how things like wheel size, towing, and fast‑charging habits affect real‑world range.
- If you already own an EV or gas vehicle, Recharged can evaluate it for a trade‑in, instant offer, or consignment, making it easier to step into a three‑row EV.
- We also offer financing and nationwide delivery, so you can focus on choosing the right ID.Buzz or EV9 rather than logistics.
Leverage data, not just a test drive
FAQ: Used VW ID.Buzz vs Kia EV9
Frequently Asked Questions About Used ID.Buzz and EV9
Whether you’re drawn to the **VW ID.Buzz’s charm and van‑like practicality** or the **Kia EV9’s range, towing, and conventional SUV feel**, the key to a smart used purchase is going beyond looks and window‑sticker specs. Focus on battery health, how the prior owner used the vehicle, and how its strengths line up with your daily life. With the right data, and the right partner, you can end up with a used three‑row EV that feels like it was built just for your family.
