The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz offers the passenger space and sliding doors of a traditional minivan but falls short as a practical family hauler due to its limited cargo capacity, awkward entry/exit, and electric range constraints. Based on our assessment experience at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, the ID. Buzz is a stylish and spacious people-mover that reimagines the classic VW Microbus for the electric age, yet it demands compromises that typical minivan shoppers from brands like Toyota, Honda, and Chrysler may find significant.
What Minivan Features Does the ID. Buzz Offer?
For families considering an electric vehicle (EV) with minivan-like utility, the ID. Buzz incorporates several key features that will feel familiar.
- Sliding Doors: Like a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna, the ID. Buzz features power sliding doors, a hallmark of minivans that prevents doors from swinging open in tight parking spots and simplifies school drop-off lines.
- Exceptional People Room: The ID. Buzz provides generous legroom and headroom across all three rows. In fact, the third-row space is more comfortable than in many conventional minivans, making it a viable option for adult passengers on shorter trips.
- Massive Cargo Potential: The vehicle's distinctive, boxy shape allows for a large and versatile cargo area. When the third-row seats are removed—a process similar to older minivans like the Dodge Caravan—the space is nearly as expansive as a pickup truck's bed. However, it's important to note that each seat weighs over 60 pounds, making removal a two-person job.
- Top-Tier Child Safety: The second and third rows are well-equipped for family life, featuring a full complement of LATCH anchors and top tether points for securing child-safety seats.
Where Does the ID. Buzz Fall Short as a Minivan?
Despite its minivan credentials, the ID. Buzz diverges from the segment in several key areas that impact day-to-day usability.
- Difficult Entry and Exit: Despite its relatively low roof, the step-in height is surprisingly high, more akin to an SUV than a minivan. This can make it awkward for smaller children or adults with mobility issues to get in and out easily.
- Limited Cargo Space Behind the Third Row: When all three rows of seats are in use—the typical configuration for a family trip—the cargo area is significantly smaller than in a Chrysler Pacifica or Kia Carnival. Furthermore, the load floor is high, requiring you to lift items up and over a raised shelf.
- Electric-Only Limitations: As a fully electric vehicle, the ID. Buzz is unique in the minivan space. However, its estimated driving range of around 230 miles (depending on rear- or all-wheel drive) makes it better suited for daily errands and around-town use than for long family road trips where charging infrastructure is a concern.
- Higher Price Point: The ID. Buzz starts at $61,545 (including destination) for the rear-wheel-drive model. This positions it near the top-trim, well-optioned versions of its competitors. For context, a plug-in hybrid Chrysler Pacifica offers a similar price but with the flexibility of electric-only short trips and a gasoline engine for longer journeys.
Should You Consider the ID. Buzz Over a Traditional Minivan?
The decision ultimately comes down to prioritizing style and EV benefits over ultimate practicality. The ID. Buzz excels as a spacious, head-turning people-mover for urban and suburban families who primarily take shorter trips and have access to home charging. Its cool factor is undeniable, and for early adopters, it’s a joyful vehicle to own.
However, if your primary needs include effortless entry/exit for young children, ample cargo space for vacation luggage with all seats up, or the ability to embark on spontaneous long-distance trips, a conventional minivan remains the more practical and versatile choice.
Before purchasing, carefully assess your typical passenger and cargo needs. The ID. Buzz is a compelling and innovative vehicle, but it redefines the minivan concept rather than replicating it perfectly.
Share
