2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Review - The Grooviest Family Hauler In America
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Date: 2025-03-14
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Comments and reviews: 20
michaelhawkins5530
I believe it was TFL that did a test on this a few months back for a road trip in the winter. Because of the cold weather and the fact they needed to use the heaters, the range was terrible and they declared it a fail for a road trip in winter. However, adding more range means a bigger battery pack, which means more weight which decreases range. The bigger battery pack would just push the price up further as well in an already expensive vehicle. So it's a never ending cycle if which both the manufacturer and the customer looses. Alex was right, he wouldn't road trip this vehicle, but it certainly works for in town or (mostly) in state driving. The Pacifica hybrid seems like it has been a while since a redesign. I have also seen a list of the top 10 least reliable vehicles in the USA, and I believe the Pacifica hybrid was on that list. The Toyota Sienna seems like the logical choice but Toyota never makes enough of them, so expect zero on the dealer lot and any you may find, expect the dealer to sell above MSRP.
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I believe it was TFL that did a test on this a few months back for a road trip in the winter. Because of the cold weather and the fact they needed to use the heaters, the range was terrible and they declared it a fail for a road trip in winter. However, adding more range means a bigger battery pack, which means more weight which decreases range. The bigger battery pack would just push the price up further as well in an already expensive vehicle. So it's a never ending cycle if which both the manufacturer and the customer looses. Alex was right, he wouldn't road trip this vehicle, but it certainly works for in town or (mostly) in state driving. The Pacifica hybrid seems like it has been a while since a redesign. I have also seen a list of the top 10 least reliable vehicles in the USA, and I believe the Pacifica hybrid was on that list. The Toyota Sienna seems like the logical choice but Toyota never makes enough of them, so expect zero on the dealer lot and any you may find, expect the dealer to sell above MSRP.
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Molishious
I think VW nailed the look of this. It has decent hp in RWD and okay hp in AWD and very practical space. It’s the only all electric minivan. However if I needed a 3 row and I wanted it to be all electric, with the discounts Kia has right now, I can get an EV 9 that is AWD with a larger battery for about $9, 000 less than this. The AWD EV 9 gets about 50 more miles of range and has almost 100 more hp than this buzz. And it’s nicely loaded. It looks great and has a medium small frunk. Even if the money was the same I’d still go for the Kia as it has knobs and real switches, the luxury of 4 window switches for the driver and I prefer how the cargo area is arranged. But the VW is great and I hope it sticks around long enough for the price to come down. I expecially love the two paint, but prefer it in white and blue to this mustard Color.
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I think VW nailed the look of this. It has decent hp in RWD and okay hp in AWD and very practical space. It’s the only all electric minivan. However if I needed a 3 row and I wanted it to be all electric, with the discounts Kia has right now, I can get an EV 9 that is AWD with a larger battery for about $9, 000 less than this. The AWD EV 9 gets about 50 more miles of range and has almost 100 more hp than this buzz. And it’s nicely loaded. It looks great and has a medium small frunk. Even if the money was the same I’d still go for the Kia as it has knobs and real switches, the luxury of 4 window switches for the driver and I prefer how the cargo area is arranged. But the VW is great and I hope it sticks around long enough for the price to come down. I expecially love the two paint, but prefer it in white and blue to this mustard Color.
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johnpatrick4706
Disappointing review Alex. You never mentioned Volkswagen's abysmal reliability! That alone should eliminate a recommendation. The Toyota is near bullet proof and 20, 000. 00 less. And shame on VW for pricing it out the average American family's reach. The interior while being user-friendly has too many hard and cheap plastics which you glossed over, particularly at this price point. Road-tripping is a main reason why one buy's a mini van. Who wants to drop 70, 000 on a people mover to rent a Toyota Sienna or Chrysler to get the job done. The charging range is weak on this van adding two hours on a 600 mile trip. It boils down that this is a people mover for elites and not mainstream USA.
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Disappointing review Alex. You never mentioned Volkswagen's abysmal reliability! That alone should eliminate a recommendation. The Toyota is near bullet proof and 20, 000. 00 less. And shame on VW for pricing it out the average American family's reach. The interior while being user-friendly has too many hard and cheap plastics which you glossed over, particularly at this price point. Road-tripping is a main reason why one buy's a mini van. Who wants to drop 70, 000 on a people mover to rent a Toyota Sienna or Chrysler to get the job done. The charging range is weak on this van adding two hours on a 600 mile trip. It boils down that this is a people mover for elites and not mainstream USA.
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SSS-mp8th
Note you can get up to $22, 000 off a new EV9 GT-Line so $54-56k
Took 15 years to come out, gets a bit over 200MPG if AWD and much less in colder climates and well optioned is $70k. Lease it. Already $3k-$7k off for something brand new and that many people were interested in (myself included.
I'll pick one up in two years during the recession for $35k. Would have loved to see one with a turbo 4 and $20k off but then the design may have been compromised.
Great looking, little small but then my kids are grown. Used my Odyssey to carry 4x8 sheet goods, full sized sofa's and more but after 200k miles and 16 years moved to an Outback.
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Note you can get up to $22, 000 off a new EV9 GT-Line so $54-56k
Took 15 years to come out, gets a bit over 200MPG if AWD and much less in colder climates and well optioned is $70k. Lease it. Already $3k-$7k off for something brand new and that many people were interested in (myself included.
I'll pick one up in two years during the recession for $35k. Would have loved to see one with a turbo 4 and $20k off but then the design may have been compromised.
Great looking, little small but then my kids are grown. Used my Odyssey to carry 4x8 sheet goods, full sized sofa's and more but after 200k miles and 16 years moved to an Outback.
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takata98
I experienced my first exploration of this vehicle at a Tim Horton's where it is the featured vehicle of this years Roll up the Rim contest. I was pleasantly surprised at how spacious it is and a perception it's larger than the original Vanagon VW my science master in high school drove. Sadly I thought this would be more of a camper van than a people mover, I was disappointed to find out it lacked the much anticipated recreational aspect I anticipated with it's reincarnated - reinvention.
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I experienced my first exploration of this vehicle at a Tim Horton's where it is the featured vehicle of this years Roll up the Rim contest. I was pleasantly surprised at how spacious it is and a perception it's larger than the original Vanagon VW my science master in high school drove. Sadly I thought this would be more of a camper van than a people mover, I was disappointed to find out it lacked the much anticipated recreational aspect I anticipated with it's reincarnated - reinvention.
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ruffmadman
I know people like to criticize this car's range, but you guys do know that this is an everyday vehicle right Minivans arent just for roadtripping. In the average day of driving (from home to dopping the kids off ar school, then work, then picking them up from school, to any extra curricular, then back home) this vehicle has more than enough range. And thats on a busier day If you charge at home, this should be fine. Everyone acts like they roadtrip every single weekend.
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I know people like to criticize this car's range, but you guys do know that this is an everyday vehicle right Minivans arent just for roadtripping. In the average day of driving (from home to dopping the kids off ar school, then work, then picking them up from school, to any extra curricular, then back home) this vehicle has more than enough range. And thats on a busier day If you charge at home, this should be fine. Everyone acts like they roadtrip every single weekend.
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kyolml
I tested ride one last year LA auto show and I agree it’s the best space experience for 2nd and 3rd row in America, except only two seats in the 3rd row. I think the price and range are the only issues keep it from doing well. Either cut 15k since no credit or lease it or increase range over 300 miles with flat 250kw charging. Sienna still the practical choice for family roadtrip duty no charging concerns, good on gas and cheaper, but still hard to get most of the dealers
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I tested ride one last year LA auto show and I agree it’s the best space experience for 2nd and 3rd row in America, except only two seats in the 3rd row. I think the price and range are the only issues keep it from doing well. Either cut 15k since no credit or lease it or increase range over 300 miles with flat 250kw charging. Sienna still the practical choice for family roadtrip duty no charging concerns, good on gas and cheaper, but still hard to get most of the dealers
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0clouds0
I thought the current sienna 2nd roll can roll back super far. And Odyssey 2nd roll can roll sideways to allow people access to 3rd row. I love the design of the Id buzz until I saw the range and the driver control for rear windows. Those 2 are deal breakers. Also another note: you’ll need a black out screen for the roof. Babies lay pretty flat in the car seat and they look up. On a bright sunny day, the glass roof can cause problems when babies want to sleep.
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I thought the current sienna 2nd roll can roll back super far. And Odyssey 2nd roll can roll sideways to allow people access to 3rd row. I love the design of the Id buzz until I saw the range and the driver control for rear windows. Those 2 are deal breakers. Also another note: you’ll need a black out screen for the roof. Babies lay pretty flat in the car seat and they look up. On a bright sunny day, the glass roof can cause problems when babies want to sleep.
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james2042
No one should ever buy this considering literally every other option on the market, gas or electric. With that said I understand how some unfortunate young families with more money than sense could easily be baited into getting one of these if the lease deal is good enough. On your note of less range for a roll down window second row, this thing has absolutely pathetic range as is, anything to reduce it further would just make this more doa than it already is
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No one should ever buy this considering literally every other option on the market, gas or electric. With that said I understand how some unfortunate young families with more money than sense could easily be baited into getting one of these if the lease deal is good enough. On your note of less range for a roll down window second row, this thing has absolutely pathetic range as is, anything to reduce it further would just make this more doa than it already is
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ScottBergerMN
The second row seats do indeed remove (bolts, they just don't want you to fiddle with the heated seat connectors.
I was a little disappointed you didn't mention the lack of a heat pump option for the US market, too. This vehicle is very temp sensitive due to PTC heating and massive cabin. On sub-zero Minnesota winter days, I saw down to 1. 3 mi/kWh on my commute, that I can see 2. 6 mi/kWh on moderate temp days. Nice video!
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The second row seats do indeed remove (bolts, they just don't want you to fiddle with the heated seat connectors.
I was a little disappointed you didn't mention the lack of a heat pump option for the US market, too. This vehicle is very temp sensitive due to PTC heating and massive cabin. On sub-zero Minnesota winter days, I saw down to 1. 3 mi/kWh on my commute, that I can see 2. 6 mi/kWh on moderate temp days. Nice video!
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robertwenrenyeh
Great review, very detailed.
However, I have never seen a car reviewer who doesn’t know how to hold a steering wheel properly. I mean the review of the car is good, but aren’t you suppose to set an example of how driving is done, including safety means From the time you started driving you have been holding the steering wheel too casually it feels dangerous watching you drive it.
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Great review, very detailed.
However, I have never seen a car reviewer who doesn’t know how to hold a steering wheel properly. I mean the review of the car is good, but aren’t you suppose to set an example of how driving is done, including safety means From the time you started driving you have been holding the steering wheel too casually it feels dangerous watching you drive it.
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TeamBlack00
The biggest glaring problems with this car for me are seats and price.
If you want AWD, you can only have 6 seats. It’s also $86k CAD. I live in rural Alberta where it snows and blowing isn’t reliable, so I need AWD. That means one of my kids is always in the third row no matter what, so I wouldn’t be able to flatten the third row for carrying more stuff if I’ve got my kids.
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The biggest glaring problems with this car for me are seats and price.
If you want AWD, you can only have 6 seats. It’s also $86k CAD. I live in rural Alberta where it snows and blowing isn’t reliable, so I need AWD. That means one of my kids is always in the third row no matter what, so I wouldn’t be able to flatten the third row for carrying more stuff if I’ve got my kids.
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hlothr
Your efficiency metric is entirely broken for gas/hybrid vs electric. Nobody ever charges a plug in hybrid. Unless they are blocking spots at a hotel or public charger to get a better spot. They are a complete waste and a joke. They are worse for the environment than gas because they are disingenuous and heavier/complicated. They divert resources away from investment in real Evs.
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Your efficiency metric is entirely broken for gas/hybrid vs electric. Nobody ever charges a plug in hybrid. Unless they are blocking spots at a hotel or public charger to get a better spot. They are a complete waste and a joke. They are worse for the environment than gas because they are disingenuous and heavier/complicated. They divert resources away from investment in real Evs.
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alex_on_autos
I might wait till the refresh, battery range is problematic for me. When I do take road trips it's usually during cold months, that reduces range, driving time, and amps up anxiety. Also I think the ergonomics are going to change some, there are lots of complaints in Europe about their controls, and even possible legislation because it promotes unsafe behaviors.
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I might wait till the refresh, battery range is problematic for me. When I do take road trips it's usually during cold months, that reduces range, driving time, and amps up anxiety. Also I think the ergonomics are going to change some, there are lots of complaints in Europe about their controls, and even possible legislation because it promotes unsafe behaviors.
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sujansthanam632
As much as I am excited for the id buzz, range is the buzz killer. 230 is really low for a road trip machine. And with a loaded van and 80% charge limit, this would be around 170 miles, which is lesser than 3hr highway limit( 370. And for people who argue about stopping for restroom breaks, personally our family doesn't do 40 mins break for every 3 hrs
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As much as I am excited for the id buzz, range is the buzz killer. 230 is really low for a road trip machine. And with a loaded van and 80% charge limit, this would be around 170 miles, which is lesser than 3hr highway limit( 370. And for people who argue about stopping for restroom breaks, personally our family doesn't do 40 mins break for every 3 hrs
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benniewalker312
Yeah. I really really wanted to buy this. in 2017 when they showed the concept in Detroit. Today, not so much. Really wanted VW to make a California camper out of this for North America. Cancelled due to weight. Would still make for a good around town vehicle. I would still buy this, in 3 years. Used. Needs an opening moonroof.
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Yeah. I really really wanted to buy this. in 2017 when they showed the concept in Detroit. Today, not so much. Really wanted VW to make a California camper out of this for North America. Cancelled due to weight. Would still make for a good around town vehicle. I would still buy this, in 3 years. Used. Needs an opening moonroof.
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jasonhillgiant
We test drove an EV9 back to back with the Buzz. For our family of five, it is no contest. Buzz wins by a country mile. There is so much more room inside. And it will be our roadtrip vehicle for the 5000k mile over the river and through the woods annual road trip. So more comfortable seats and more space are really valuable.
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We test drove an EV9 back to back with the Buzz. For our family of five, it is no contest. Buzz wins by a country mile. There is so much more room inside. And it will be our roadtrip vehicle for the 5000k mile over the river and through the woods annual road trip. So more comfortable seats and more space are really valuable.
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gordonslippy1073
Great review, as usual! But if you must road trip in an electric van, the Ioniq 9 seems like a much better choice with 100 more miles range and faster charging.
$60k for a town runabout seems really steep. $10k less for a gas car that can do everything seems like the choice most people would make.
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Great review, as usual! But if you must road trip in an electric van, the Ioniq 9 seems like a much better choice with 100 more miles range and faster charging.
$60k for a town runabout seems really steep. $10k less for a gas car that can do everything seems like the choice most people would make.
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cz85
Price is a bummer for sure. 20k after tax could be 30k of actual income, maybe more in California. Kids aren't in those rear facing car seats for that long Alex. I like the ID buzz too, but it's hard to justify dumping my paid off Honda mini-van for a 60k debt for a VERY rapidly depreciating asset.
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Price is a bummer for sure. 20k after tax could be 30k of actual income, maybe more in California. Kids aren't in those rear facing car seats for that long Alex. I like the ID buzz too, but it's hard to justify dumping my paid off Honda mini-van for a 60k debt for a VERY rapidly depreciating asset.
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wesluk2608
Relatively affordable option at starting $61, 500. I know it's 2025 but car prices are crazy. And as we know when VW says the starting price is $61, 500 we're really paying $70, 000. Thumbs up to the genius who after long research and testing decided to put that front camera in the bumper.
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Relatively affordable option at starting $61, 500. I know it's 2025 but car prices are crazy. And as we know when VW says the starting price is $61, 500 we're really paying $70, 000. Thumbs up to the genius who after long research and testing decided to put that front camera in the bumper.
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