Clash of the Electric Goliath: Volvo EX90 vs Kia EV9 vs VW ID. Buzz – Which 3-Row EV Really Dominates the American Roads in 2025?
USAs top 3-row electric SUVs in 2025. Compare Kia EV9, Volvo EX90 & VW ID. Buzz based on range, space, safety, tech & affordability. Find out which EV is best for your family.
It all began with a soft hum. Electric cars were the rumors of the future—today, they’re thundering onto American driveways with three rows, touchscreen technology, and torque that would shame your uncle’s vintage V8. But which three-row EV is truly deserving of your family vacations, Costco runs, and daily drives?
In the 2025 EV showdown, final showdown, three names have hogged the limelight: Scandinavian stunner Volvo EX90, radical Kia EV9, and funky, far-out Volkswagen ID. Buzz. All deliver space for seven, heavy-duty tech, and the enviro badge of honor—but which is the genuine MVP of the American electric revolution?
Let’s strip the paint off the press releases and get down to what counts.
A Recharged Legacy: How America Got to the 3-Row EV Revolution
Not so long ago, a “family EV” was synonymous with squeezing children into the backseat of a hatchback with dubious range and no towing capability. Bring it forward to 2025, and the scene is electric—literally.
Volvo is known for its century-long safety heritage into the electric era with the EX90. Kia, coming off the success of its EV6, takes a bold leap with the EV9 of the future. And Volkswagen? They revived the classic Microbus, replaced its engine with electrons, and gave us the ID. Buzz to make heads turn.
All with their respective agendas: Volvo needs to safeguard, Kia needs to conquer, and VW needs to fill us with nostalgia on wheels.
Interior Experience: Where Code Meets Comfort
Swing open the doors, and you’re welcomed by three disparate atmospheres. The Volvo EX90 is a mobile haven—calm, low-key, and typical Swedish. Eco-friendly wood inlays, wool-blend seats, and a 14.5-inch vertical display that’s more user-friendly than your barista. The entire touchpoint ring shouts quality, and the 6-seater model with captain’s chairs? Executive tier.
Conversely, the Kia EV9 is a technology-embracing family lounge. Ambient lighting, twin 12.3-inch screens, and eco-friendly materials pair with smart and real-world usability. The flat floor makes it easy to slide across rows, and yes, the third row even accommodates adults (thank you, Kia).
And then there’s the Volkswagen ID. Buzz—half electric van, half rolling talker. The design is charmingly airy, the trim fun and forward-looking, and the dashboard? A graphic, whimsical digital world. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done—particularly with those sliding doors and low step-in height. It’s EV kindergarten drop-off combined with Silicon Valley carpool.
Design: From Minimalist Sleek to Electric Funk
If cars were Tinder profiles, the Volvo EX90 would be the clean-cut architect who shops at Muji and recycles religiously. Graceful LED lighting, clean sheetmetal, and flush door handles give it a premium charm. It’s the kind of SUV that says, “I care about design and my carbon footprint.”
The Kia EV9 is unapologetically bold—think concept-car-turned-production-model. Squared-off wheel arches, boxy stance, and a futuristic light signature scream presence. It’s a spaceship for the soccer field. People stare—and then they ask what it is.
And the VW ID. Buzz? Just say it’s the most oddly but satisfying of the group. Retro curves, smiling front face, and two-tone color schemes introduce flower power into the 21st century. It’s adorable. It’s funky. It’s the automotive worlds Avocado dip —quaint, cool, and great for weekend drive.
Performance: Power to the Parents
Volvo EX90 doesn’t merely whisper luxury—it growls under the bonnet. Twin-motor all-wheel drive combined delivers up to 496 hp and 671 lb-ft torque, thrustinh this family strongbox from 0–60 mph in approximately 4.7 seconds. Not bad for a safety-conscious Swede.
Kia’s EV9, especially in GT-Line AWD spec, isn’t far behind. With 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, it throttles itself like a football champ. The steering is tight, the ride smooth, and for a vehicle its size, it handles like a much smaller EV—thank Hyundai’s E-GMP platform for that.
The ID. Buzz cares less about thrills, more about chill. Its RWD model generates a modest 282 hp, while the AWD GTX model pushes it up to 330 hp. You won’t be winning drag races, but you’ll be cruising with poise and class. And honestly—when was the last time a minivan put a smile on your face?
Safety: Digital Guardian Angels
Safety is where the EX90 flexes the most. Volvo loaded it with LiDAR, driver monitoring through infrared sensors, and a digital key that recognizes your heartbeat (no joke). Anticipate Level 3 autonomous readiness, 360° vision, and OTA updates to make it even safer along the way.
Kia isn’t slouching, either. The EV9 features Level 2 Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitors, and a full complement of active safety features. You even receive remote smart parking—why risk curb rash?
VW’s ID. Buzz, as quirky as it is, doesn’t cut corners, either. Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, emergency braking—you get the checkmarks. It may lack Swedish-level technology, but when it comes to family safety, it’s no slouch.
Capability: Beyond the Commute
Towing? The Kia EV9 claims the throne at 5,000 lbs—bring the boat, the camper, the in-laws. The Volvo EX90 is a close second at 4,850 lbs, all wrapped up in luxury. The ID. Buzz? Not yet rated for towing in the U.S.—this one’s for gear haulers, not trailer pullers.
Need cargo room? The ID.Buzz is a van in its core—with up to 87 cu. ft. of available room with the seats folded down. The EV9’s utilitarian boxi design keeps it very practical, and the EX90with its flat loading floors and underfloor storagegivngs a unique touch.
Price and Availability: How Much It Costs to Be Green in 2025
The Kia EV9 is the financial sweet spot—starting at $54,900, and yes, it qualifies for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Top-spec GT-Line models hover around $72K, but you’re still under luxury-brand pricing.
The Volvo EX90 starts at $76,695, climbing to $84,845 depending on trim and seat layout. Built in South Carolina, it also qualifies for the credit—just make sure your build doesn’t exceed the price cap.
The VW ID. Buzz starts at $59,995, but don’t count on the tax credit just yet—it’s made in Europe, and eligibility varies by configuration. Launch is rolling out now, but there’s eager demand.
Last Word: Which 3-Row EV Should Your Garage Get?
If you crave bold styling, excellent range, lots of utility, and maximum value, the Kia EV9 is your vehicle. It’s the go-anywhere “do everything” EV for today’s families.
If you’re after luxury, reassurance, and the safest technology on the road, the Volvo EX90 is your mobile haven.
And if you’re after style, room to spare, and grins per mile, the VW ID. Buzz is the happiest people-carrier around.
The great news? You can’t put a foot wrong—because whatever you go for, you’re not just driving electric… you’re driving into tomorrow.
FAQ
Q1: Best 3-row electric SUV for families in 2025 in USA?
A: The Kia EV9 provides the ultimate combination of space, technology, towing, and affordability—making it the best overall selection for most American families in 2025.
Q2: What 3-row EV provides the most advanced driver assists?
A: The Volvo EX90 is the leader with LiDAR-based driver assist, infrared surveillance, and Level 3 autonomy capability readiness—making it the safest EV SUV.
Q3: Which 3-row electric SUV provides the longest range in the segment?
A: The Kia EV9 Long Range RWD has up to 304 miles of EPA-estimated range, the most in 3-row electric SUVs.
Q4: Is the VW ID. Buzz suitable for families?
A: The ID. Buzz is a roomy, playful, and practical 3-row, sliding-door EV van with lots of cargo space—ideal for city and lifestyle application.
Q5: Which 3-row EV is eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit?
A: Both the Volvo EX90 and Kia EV9 are manufactured in the USA and are eligible for the full federal EV tax credit according to the new IRA guidelines.
Q6: Do 3-row EVs allow towing of trailers or campers?
A: Yes, the Volvo EX90 can tow up to 4,850 lbsest and the Kia EV9 up to 5,000 lbs est.The VW ID. Buzz is not U.S.-rated for towing yet.
