Best Electric Family Cars for 2025-2026 Under $70k

In 2025 and 2026, a wave of family-friendly electric SUVs and crossovers is here to make road trips safer, commutes greener, and everyday drives more enjoyable. This guide dives into the best electric cars for families with kids – focusing on models under $70,000 – and compares their safety, space, tech, and kid-friendly features.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have matured from niche to mainstream, and many now excel as family haulers. We’ll cover top-rated EV SUVs (including 2-row and 3-row models) ideal for families of 4, 5, or even more. You’ll find data from trusted sources (IIHS crash tests, NHTSA safety ratings, manufacturer specs) and real-world insights. Let’s plug in and explore the top electric family cars that blend safety, spaciousness, and innovation – ensuring you and your kids travel in comfort and confidence.

📝 What Makes an EV Family-Friendly?

Before hitting our top picks, let’s look at the key criteria that define a great family vehicle in the electric age:

• 🔒 Safety First: Top-tier crash test ratings (5-Star NHTSA and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards) are a must. Advanced safety tech like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keeping assist add peace of mind on every school run.
• 🚚 Spacious Interior & Cargo: Roomy cabins with generous legroom and headroom keep growing kids comfortable. Big cargo capacity (think 30+ cubic feet behind the seats) for strollers, sports gear, and groceries is essential. Many EVs feature a front trunk (“frunk”) for extra storage .
• 🤖 Advanced Driver Aids: The best family EVs pack driver-assistance systems that reduce stress on long drives – from adaptive cruise control that maintains distance, to lane-centering steering. Some even offer hands-free highway driving (like Tesla’s Autopilot or Ford’s BlueCruise) as a co-pilot for parents .
• 👶 Kid-Friendly Seating: Wide rear doors (or sliding doors in vans) and easy-access LATCH anchors make installing child seats easier. Ample rear seat space means you can fit multiple car seats or boosters without a squeeze. Some 3-row models offer second-row captain’s chairs for walk-through access to the third row.
• 🎮 In-Cabin Entertainment: Today’s EVs are tech havens. Look for large infotainment screens, Wi-Fi hotspots, multiple USB charging ports, and rear climate controls to keep kids entertained and comfortable. Tesla even includes built-in games and video apps on its big screen .
• 🔋 Reliability & Warranty: Family cars need to hold up to years of daily use. EVs have fewer moving parts, but quality and software reliability matter. Long warranties are a plus – Hyundai and Kia, for example, offer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties, including EV components, to ensure lasting peace of mind. Most batteries are covered 8 years/100,000 miles at minimum by law.

Now, let’s meet the electric SUVs and crossovers that excel in these areas. Each of the models below brings a unique blend of safety, space, and tech to the table, making them top contenders for families going electric.

🏆 Top Electric Family SUVs & Crossovers (2025-2026 Models)

Below we highlight some of the best family-oriented electric vehicles available in late 2024 through 2026. These picks include a mix of two-row and three-row SUVs, all under the $70k budget. We’ll detail why each model stands out for families, citing crash test results, interior stats, and features that make life with kids easier. (As the Wizard Merlin might say, choose your chariot well – for each has its own magic!)

🚙 Tesla Model Y – The Tech-Savvy Safe Bet for Families

The 2025 Tesla Model Y is a mid-size electric crossover brimming with tech and top-tier safety credentials.

The Tesla Model Y has quickly become a favorite among families – and for good reason. It combines compact SUV practicality with Tesla’s signature technology and efficiency. Importantly, it’s one of the safest vehicles on the road. The Model Y earned a perfect 5-star crash safety rating in every NHTSA category, and it aced the IIHS tests to win a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ award (even under newer, stricter criteria). That means robust crash protection for front and rear passengers alike. Tesla’s active safety features (automatic emergency braking, collision warnings, blind-spot monitoring, etc.) are standard, and the Autopilot system can intelligently assist with steering and braking on highways.

Family-friendly features of the Tesla Model Y:

• Spacious & Versatile: The Model Y’s airy cabin seats 5 adults comfortably, with an optional 7-seat configuration for two small third-row seats (best for kids). Cargo space is excellent – about 30 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 67.9 cu ft with seats folded. Plus, there’s a useful front trunk (~4 cu ft) for extra storage of diaper bags or groceries.
• High-Tech Cabin: A minimalist interior features the 15-inch touchscreen that controls almost everything. It might seem sparse on buttons, but tech-loving families appreciate features like built-in Netflix/YouTube streaming, video games, and Caraoke on long trips. There are plenty of USB-C ports (two front, two rear) and wireless charging pads for devices . Over-the-air updates add new functions regularly, meaning the car’s tech improves over time.
• Efficiency & Range: With up to 330 miles EPA range on the Long Range AWD model, the Model Y can handle extended family road trips with fewer charging stops. And when you do need to charge, Tesla’s Supercharger network (over 17,000 and growing) offers reliable, fast charging nationwide – a huge plus for hassle-free travel.
• Driving Experience: Parents will enjoy the Model Y’s zippy acceleration (0–60 mph in ~4.8s for Long Range) and agile handling. At the same time, it’s quiet and smooth, with no engine noise – which means easier naptime for little ones in back. Autopilot’s Traffic-Aware Cruise and lane-centering reduce fatigue on highway drives. (As Arthur C. Clarke mused, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. ”The Model Y’s semi-autonomous driving can feel quite magical on a long highway journey.)

One caveat: Tesla’s interior, while durable vegan leather, is minimalist – some families miss features like an instrument cluster or physical climate knobs. And the third-row seat (if equipped) is very tight on legroom. But for most, the Model Y’s blend of top safety, long range, and cutting-edge tech makes it an ideal electric family car. As of 2025 it starts around $47,000 for the base model (RWD) and mid-$50k for Long Range AWD , well under our budget cap, and qualifies for federal EV tax credits to sweeten the deal.

🚙 Kia EV9 – Three-Row Electric SUV Comfort (Space for 7)

Kia’s 2025 EV9 offers a spacious three-row interior and is the first mainstream electric SUV to seat seven – designed from the ground up with families in mind.

Meet the Kia EV9, a brand-new midsize 3-row SUV EV that’s perfect for larger families or those needing extra space. The EV9 is groundbreaking as one of the first fully-electric SUVs with seating for seven passengers. Kia clearly targeted family needs: the interior is cavernous, and safety is paramount. MotorTrend reports the EV9 earned a 5-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors right out of the gate – an impressive feat for a new model. It comes loaded with every advanced driver aid Kia offers, helping it achieve top-tier safety.

Why the Kia EV9 shines for families:

• Room for the Whole Crew: This is a true three-row SUV with adult-friendly space in the first two rows and a kid-friendly third row. You can get 7-passenger seating (with a second-row bench) or 6-passenger (with plush captain’s chairs). Second-row legroom is a whopping 42.8 inches – stretch-out level. The third row has about 32 inches of legroom, enough for kids or smaller adults on shorter trips. Crucially, cargo space is generous: 20.2 cu ft behind the third row (enough for a stroller and bags), expanding to 43.5 cu ft with the third row folded, and a huge 81.7 cu ft with both rear rows down. That rivals many gas SUVs and means the EV9 can haul bulk Costco runs or camping gear with ease. There’s even a small frunk (~3 cu ft) for charging cables or emergency kits.
• Family Comfort & Convenience: Kia decked out the EV9 with family touches – available second-row “VIP” lounge seats that recline with leg rests (great for naps at a charging stop), built-in sunshades for rear windows, tri-zone automatic climate control, and multiple USB-C ports in all three rows. The wide-opening rear doors and a low floor (thanks to the flat battery underfloor) make for easy entry, even for kids clambering into the third row. And if you choose the 6-seat configuration, the aisle between captain’s chairs makes third-row access a breeze.
• High-Tech & Safe: All EV9 trims include an extensive ADAS suite: forward collision-avoidance braking, blind-spot collision avoidance (with a camera feed in the gauge cluster when you signal – a Kia/Hyundai hallmark), lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic brake assist, and more . Highway Driving Assist II combines adaptive cruise and lane-centering, and can even assist with lane changes – effectively semi-autonomous highway driving. The EV9’s structure and 8 airbags have you covered if an accident does occur, but Kia’s goal is to prevent one in the first place. (As the IIHS and NHTSA ratings suggest, it’s doing a good job at that.)
• Range & Performance: Despite its size, the EV9 delivers solid range – up to ~300 miles for the Long Range RWD model. The standard AWD versions get around 280 miles range (EPA est.), which is ample for most family travels. With 350 kW DC fast-charging capability on its 800V architecture, the EV9 can recharge from 10% to 80% in as little as 25-30 minutes under ideal conditions (about the time for a lunch and bathroom break). Under the hood, you’ll find either a single-motor (215 hp) or dual-motor AWD (379 hp) setup. The AWD EV9 accelerates 0–60 in the mid-5 second range – quick enough to merge confidently, even with a full load of kids and cargo.
• Design & Quality: The EV9’s bold, boxy exterior isn’t just stylish – it maximizes interior volume. Inside, the materials are eco-friendly and durable (think washable vegan leather seating). The dashboard spans dual 12.3-inch displays for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment, plus a 5-inch HVAC readout. It’s modern but user-friendly. Parents will appreciate Kia’s straightforward UI and physical knobs for volume and temperature (no overly tricky screens to navigate while driving).

All this comes at a competitive price: the 2025 EV9 starts around $56,000 (for base RWD) and around $63k for well-equipped AWD models. A loaded GT-Line AWD tops out in the low $70s (just above our cap), but most family-oriented trims fall under $70k. Considering it’s an electric Telluride equivalent with more tech, the EV9 is a compelling value. It’s backed by Kia’s 10-year/100k mile powertrain warranty, meaning the battery and motors are covered long after many leases end. In sum, the Kia EV9 is a spacious, safety-focused electric SUV that finally gives eco-conscious big families an EV option with no compromises on space or capability.

🚙 Ford Mustang Mach-E – Sporty Style with Family Substance

The Ford Mustang Mach-E proves that driving an electric family car doesn’t mean giving up fun or style. Ford took the legendary Mustang spirit and repackaged it as a practical 5-seat crossover – one that’s been racking up safety accolades and positive reviews since its debut. In fact, the Mach-E earned a IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025 and a perfect 5-Star Overall NHTSA rating, matching the Model Y’s crash test prowess. It’s also Consumer Reports’ Top EV pick in recent years, noted for its reliability and owner satisfaction. For families, the Mach-E offers a balance of comfortable space, high-tech features, and engaging drive wrapped in a distinctive design.

Family highlights of the Mustang Mach-E:

• Safe and Secure: The Mach-E’s structure aced crash tests, with IIHS giving it top “Good” ratings across the board. It comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features: forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitors with cross-traffic alert, and more. Step up to the Premium or GT trims, and you can get BlueCruise 1.2 – Ford’s hands-free highway driving system that, on pre-mapped highways, lets you take your hands off the wheel (while keeping eyes on the road) for a stress-free cruise. It’s like having an autopilot for the interstate, making road trips with kids less fatiguing.
• Plenty of Room: Despite its sporty coupe-like roofline, the Mach-E is quite roomy for a compact SUV. Five passengers fit with ease. The back seat has generous legroom and headroom (Ford cleverly scooped out the headliner for more rear headspace). Parents of younger kids will find the rear door openings and seat height make it convenient to install car seats and buckle kids in. Cargo capacity is about 29.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats – enough for a medium stroller and groceries – and expands to 59.7 cu ft with seats folded. That’s comparable to many small SUVs. Additionally, the Mach-E offers a front trunk of ~4.7 cu ft, with a washable liner and drain – great for messy items or even as an ice chest for tailgating.
• Modern Tech & Comfort: Front and center is a 15.5-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 4A system. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so your family’s maps and music integrate seamlessly. The interface is easy to use, and Ford wisely retained a large physical volume knob. A secondary 10.2-inch digital cluster in front of the driver displays speed and range – something some other EVs omit. Other family-friendly perks: an available panoramic glass roof (kids love sky views, but it has a UV protective coating), an excellent B&O sound system for road-trip tunes, and over-the-air updates that keep improving features. The Mach-E even has funny horsepower-inspired sound profiles that can simulate an engine noise – you can turn this off (thankfully) if the kids prefer quiet.
• Fast Yet Efficient: With outputs from 266 hp (Select RWD) up to 480 hp (GT Performance), the Mach-E can be a sleeper performance machine. Even if you’re not doing 0–60 sprints (as quick as 3.5 seconds in the GT), the extra power helps when merging onto freeways with a full family load. Yet, it remains efficient: the Extended Range battery version offers up to ~306 miles (RWD) or 290 miles (AWD) of EPA range , plenty for daily use and medium road trips. Standard-range models get 224–247 miles. When it’s time to charge, the Mach-E can add ~150 miles in ~30 minutes at a DC fast charger (150 kW peak). Home charging overnight will easily replenish even the larger battery. And unlike some EVs, the Mach-E’s battery has active thermal management to handle extreme temps, improving reliability.

Driving the Mach-E feels agile and fun (dare we say worthy of the Mustang badge) . Yet it’s also quiet, composed, and easy to handle – attributes much appreciated when you’ve got a sleeping toddler in the back or you’re navigating school drop-off lines. Pricing starts around $42,000 for the base Select trim (before incentives), and a nicely equipped Premium Extended Range runs in the low $50s. Even the sporty GT is under $65k. With its blend of safety, style, and practicality, the Mach-E makes an excellent family EV that proves you can have excitement and utility in one package.

🚙 Volkswagen ID.4 – Value-Packed Crossover with Space and Safety

Volkswagen’s ID.4 is a compact electric SUV that hits the sweet spot for many families: it’s affordable, spacious for its size, and very safe. The ID.4 was VW’s first global EV, designed to be as approachable as the beloved Tiguan or CR-V. It carries a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick in its debut year (2021) thanks to strong crash test performance and good headlight options. For 2025, VW has refined the ID.4 further, upping its range and features. What makes the ID.4 especially attractive is the value – it often comes in thousands less than similar rivals, without skimping on the essentials that matter to families.

What families will love about the VW ID.4:

• Smooth and Stable Ride: The ID.4’s driving manners are very family-friendly. It prioritizes comfort – the suspension soaks up bumps nicely, and the cabin is notably quiet (VW added extra insulation, making it “one of the quietest rides” among EVs ). This means less fatigue on long drives and easier conversations with kids in the back. The electric motor provides instant but not overwhelming acceleration (0–60 in ~7.5s for RWD). With a low center of gravity from the battery, it handles turns confidently without harshness.
• Spacious Cabin for a Compact SUV: Inside, the ID.4 feels open and airy, with a minimalist modern design. There’s generous rear seat room – two adults or three children fit comfortably. Even taller passengers are okay in back unless the front seats are pushed fully rearward . Importantly for families, the cargo space is excellent for this class: 30.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 64.2 cu ft with the rear seats folded . This beats many rivals (it’s more room than a Mustang Mach-E or Hyundai Ioniq 5) . The load floor is low and flat, making it easy to slide in luggage or a stroller. Note: the ID.4 doesn’t have a front trunk , as VW used that space for HVAC systems – a tradeoff for the roomy cabin.
• Solid Safety and Driver Aids: The ID.4 includes VW’s IQ.DRIVE advanced safety suite standard. This brings Front Assist (auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection), Side Assist (blind spot monitoring), and Lane Assist (lane keeping). It also has Travel Assist, a semi-automated driving mode that combines adaptive cruise and lane-centering for hands-on assisted driving on highways . In practice, it works similarly to systems from Tesla and Ford – easing the stress of long highway stretches. All models also come with a backup camera and rear parking sensors (higher trims add a 360° camera). LED headlights and adaptive front lighting are available to help illuminate dark roads (critical for night safety).
• Family Convenience: VW gave the ID.4 a practical interior layout with plenty of storage nooks. There are large door bins (sized for water bottles), a big center console with removable dividers (so you can organize toys or snacks), and sliding cupholders. The rear seats have recline adjustment, helpful if a child wants to nap more comfortably. Climate control is dual-zone (with rear vents for back-seat passengers), and higher trims even offer a tri-zone system. One fun feature: the ID.Light – a light strip on the dash that blinks and glows to communicate navigation prompts or incoming calls, giving a visual cue that kids find neat. Also, VW often includes 3 years of free fast-charging on Electrify America stations with a new ID.4 purchase, which can save money on road trips during early ownership.
• Efficiency and Range Upgrades: For 2024-2025, VW improved the ID.4’s efficiency. The standard RWD models with the 82 kWh battery now get up to 285–291 miles EPA range (depending on trim), an increase from previous ~275 miles. AWD versions (which add a second motor for a total 330 hp) offer around 255–260 miles range – still plenty for daily use. A lower-cost Standard model with a smaller 62 kWh battery has about 209 miles range, suitable for city-focused families on a budget . Charging is decent: max 170 kW DC capability means a 10-80% charge in about 30–40 minutes under ideal conditions. At home on Level 2, a full charge takes ~7.5 hours (overnight). The ID.4 also supports Plug&Charge on EA network, making public charging simpler (just plug in, and it authenticates automatically).

With a starting MSRP around $39,000 (and even lower after the federal tax credit for U.S.-built EVs) , the ID.4 offers tremendous value. You get a well-rounded, safe, and spacious family EV for the price of a typical compact SUV. Upper trims with more range, AWD, and luxury touches (like the panoramic glass roof and power liftgate) still come in the mid-$50k range. Volkswagen’s reputation for solid build quality shows in the ID.4 – it feels substantial and well put-together. If you’re seeking an EV that covers the basics extremely well and doesn’t break the bank, the ID.4 deserves a top spot on the list.

🚙 Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Futuristic Family Comfort and Award-Winning Safety

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is often described as a “retro-futuristic” EV, thanks to its 8-bit game styling cues, but underneath it’s one of the most advanced and family-friendly electric SUVs today. This two-row crossover (think Toyota RAV4 in size) has been showered with awards – including World Car of the Year 2022 – and in 2025 it’s still leading the pack. For families, the Ioniq 5 offers an inviting mix of comfort, innovation, and proven safety. It even won U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Electric SUV for Families” for multiple years running, highlighting its family appeal. Here’s why the Ioniq 5 is an excellent choice:

• Top Safety Pick+: Hyundai engineered the Ioniq 5 with safety as a priority. After a mid-cycle structural tweak, the 2023–2025 Ioniq 5 achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status , scoring top marks in all crash tests and boasting good headlights on upper trims. In NHTSA testing, partial results showed 5 stars in side impact and rollover protection . It comes standard with the robust Hyundai SmartSense safety suite: forward collision-avoidance assist (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane keeping and lane following assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic avoidance, safe exit assist (alerts if a car/bike is approaching when your kids open the door), and smart cruise control with Stop&Go. The Ioniq 5 will even gently apply corrective steering if it senses you’re drifting out of lane or another vehicle is too close – effectively acting as a guardian angel on the road.
• Innovative Interior Space: Although it’s a compact SUV, the Ioniq 5’s wheelbase is as long as a mid-size SUV’s, thanks to its dedicated EV platform. That translates to an exceptionally roomy interior. The rear seats can slide forward or back nearly 5 inches, a rare feature, letting you flexibly trade legroom for cargo space as needed. With the rear bench slid all the way back, adults enjoy limo-like legroom; slide it up when the trunk is loaded for a road trip. Cargo space measures 27.2 cu ft behind the rear seats and 59.3 cu ft with seats folded – mid-pack for the segment, but the sliding function and totally flat floor make it highly usable. There’s also a small front trunk (about 0.8 cu ft – enough for charging cables) . The front seats fully recline with elevating leg rests (on some trims), so parents can catch a quick rest while the car charges or while waiting on the school pickup line! Hyundai even designed a movable center console (“Universal Island”) that slides back for added space or forward for convenience – great for a big purse or diaper bag.
• Tech-Savvy Cabin: The Ioniq 5’s dashboard features dual 12.3-inch screens under one pane of glass, providing a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen. The interface is user-friendly and supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (wired). One novel touch: a head-up display with augmented reality on higher trims, which projects navigation arrows onto the windshield as if they’re on the road – a cool, futuristic guide for the driver. Families will appreciate the plentiful USB ports (two front, two rear) and available wireless device charging. An ambient lighting system offers a soothing glow at night. For audiophiles, an 8-speaker Bose sound system fills the cabin with rich sound. Perhaps the Ioniq 5’s most unique feature is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability: it can act as a 120V power source for small appliances or devices. There’s a plug adapter for the outside, and even an outlet under the rear seats. Imagine powering a laptop at a campsite or inflating an air mattress for a family camping – the car can do that!
• Smooth Power and Fast Charging: The Ioniq 5 comes in RWD (single motor) or AWD (dual motor) variants. The RWD boasts 225 hp and the AWD ups that to 320 hp, making the latter quite quick (0–60 in ~5 seconds). Range is excellent: up to 303 miles EPA for the single-motor versions , and around 256–266 miles for AWD models (slightly lower if you opt for the performance-oriented Ioniq 5 N). One of the Ioniq 5’s headline talents is ultra-fast charging. Thanks to an 800V electrical architecture (like the EV9 and Porsche Taycan), it can handle up to 235 kW at a DC fast charger, enough to juice from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes under ideal conditions . In real-world terms, a quick 5–10 minute stop can add ~100 miles. That makes road trips with impatient kids far more feasible – by the time you’ve had a restroom break and grabbed snacks, the car is ready to go. At home, a Level 2 (240V) charger will replenish the 77 kWh battery in about 6–7 hours overnight.
• Family-Friendly Ride: On the road, the Ioniq 5 is tuned for comfort and ease of use. The ride is supple, absorbing bumps nicely – great for keeping sleeping children asleep. The steering is light (some might say a bit numb, but that’s fine for a family SUV). It’s an easy car to drive around town, with good visibility. One pedal driving is available (regenerative braking can slow the car to a stop), which many EV-driving parents find convenient in stop-and-go traffic. Notably, the Ioniq 5 comes with Hyundai’s excellent warranty: 5 years/60k miles basic and 10 years/100k miles on the powertrain and battery, plus 3 years of free maintenance. Hyundai has a strong reliability record, and early indications show the Ioniq 5 holding up well – a comforting thought for long-term family ownership.

Starting prices for the 2025 Ioniq 5 are around $42,000 for SE Standard Range (58 kWh battery) and $47k for the SE Extended Range (77 kWh). Well-equipped Limited AWD models approach $57k. Given its features, the Ioniq 5 feels like a bargain next to some pricier competitors. With its combination of style (those pixel LED lights turn heads), practicality, and cutting-edge tech, the Ioniq 5 proves an EV can be both family-friendly and fun. It’s no wonder it’s become one of the most awarded EVs in recent years.

🚙 Volkswagen ID. Buzz – The Whimsical Electric Minivan for Modern Families

The VW ID. Buzz brings back the microbus magic in electric form – with 3 rows, sliding doors, and a lot of character for family adventures.

For families who crave something a little different – a blend of nostalgia, space, and eco-conscious tech – Volkswagen’s new ID. Buzz is a dream come true. The ID. Buzz is essentially a modern all-electric minivan (though VW calls it a “Bus”), inspired by the iconic VW Microbus of the 1960s. Arriving in the U.S. as a 2025 model, this 3-row people-mover is ideal for families with 2+ kids, especially if you often carry lots of gear or friends. It’s hard to match the Buzz’s combination of interior volume and family-friendly design in the EV world. Plus, it’s got a playfulness about it that kids (and adults) absolutely love.

Family features of the VW ID. Buzz:

• Minivan Practicality: True to its roots, the ID. Buzz has dual power sliding side doors – a godsend for parents in tight parking lots. No more worrying about kids flinging doors into the car next door; sliding doors make loading children and car seats so much easier. Inside, the Buzz seats 7 passengers in a 2-3-2 layout (or 6 if you opt for captain’s chairs in the middle). The second row folds and slides, and the third row is even removable for when you need extra cargo space. Speaking of space, it’s abundant: with all seats up, you have 18.6 cu ft behind the third row – that’s comparable to many mid-size SUVs’ trunks. With the third row folded (or taken out), the figure jumps to 75.5 cu ft, and if you fold the second row as well, you get a massive 145.5 cu ft cargo area – akin to a cargo van. Essentially, the Buzz can transform from a school shuttle to a moving van as needed. Its passenger volume of ~164 cubic ft is more than any SUV; everyone can spread out comfortably. Road trips feel less claustrophobic, and even adults fit in all three rows (the Buzz beats the legroom of other minivans in row three).
• Retro Style, Modern Tech: The funky two-tone paint options and smiling face of the ID. Buzz captivate onlookers, but the interior is thoroughly modern. The dashboard uses a 5.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.9-inch central touchscreen (with the latest VW UI) for infotainment. You’ll find wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, multiple USB-C ports (including by the third row), and available wireless phone charging. A cool feature is the electrochromic panoramic glass roof which can switch from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button – kids find this magical (no physical shade needed!). The cabin has thoughtful touches like built-in sun blinds for rear windows, folding tables on the front seatbacks (Euro-spec feature that may come to US models), and lots of cupholders and cubbies. Materials are durable, easy-to-clean synthetics (some made from recycled bottles). Ambient lighting lets you choose from 30 colors to set the mood. And because the design is flat-floored and boxy, visibility is excellent for all rows – everyone gets a window view of the “unfolding landscape” outside.
• Safety and Driver Assists: The ID. Buzz hasn’t been rated by IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing (since it’s brand-new in the US), but VW has packed it with advanced safety tech. It comes with Front Assist (forward collision warning & auto braking), Side Assist (blind spot monitoring), Rear Traffic Alert (with auto brake for cross-traffic), and Lane Keep Assist as standard. The Buzz also features Travel Assist 2.0, which not only provides lane-centering and adaptive cruise on highways but can also assist with lane changes when you tap the turn signal – similar to systems in luxury cars. Parking such a big vehicle is eased by front/rear parking sensors and an optional 360° Top-View Camera. The tall, van-like shape actually performed well in Euro NCAP crash tests (in Europe, the Buzz scored high marks for occupant protection). And with its hefty weight and lower center of gravity, we expect stable crash performance. Of course, it has the full complement of airbags (including side curtains covering all 3 rows).
• Electric Performance: Under the hood, the U.S. ID. Buzz gets a 91 kWh battery and comes in RWD (282 hp) or AWD (335 hp) 4MOTION versions. Don’t let the van shape fool you – it’s fairly quick, especially the AWD (0–60 in ~6 seconds). More importantly, it’s smooth and silent. The Buzz wafts along with that EV quietness; at highway speeds you’ll hear a bit of wind (it’s a brick pushing air), but little road noise. Its ride is tuned for comfort, though with the short wheelbase relative to height, it can feel a tad “bouncy” on wavy roads . Think classic microbus character – but far more refined. Range comes in at an EPA-estimated ~233 miles for RWD and ~230 miles for AWD . While not a range champ due to its size and aero, it’s enough for daily family use and moderate trips. Fast charging is impressive: the Buzz can charge from 10% to 80% in about 25–30 minutes on a 170 kW DC charger , thanks to its similar 800V tech as other VW group EVs. So road trips are feasible with planned stops. And when you’re traveling, the Buzz can tow up to 2,200 lbs – handy for a small camper or jet-ski trailer.

Owning the ID. Buzz is as much about the joy it brings as the utility. It’s truly a throwback to family road trips of yesteryear, reimagined for the future. Starting around $60,000 for the Pro S trim , it’s on the higher end, but it comes loaded and is unlike anything else on the market. For families who want an EV with maximum space, charisma, and kid-friendly features (those sliding doors alone are worth it), the ID. Buzz is in a class of its own. As Dr. Seuss might say, “Oh, the places you’ll go!” – in the ID. Buzz, your family will be going there in style and comfort.

🚦 Conclusion: Embracing the Electric Family Adventure

Choosing the right family car is about finding a vehicle that fits your daily life and aspirations. With electric cars entering the family segment in a big way, parents no longer have to compromise on space, safety, or convenience to drive electric. The 2025–2026 model year EVs we’ve explored prove that you can have it all: top-notch safety ratings, roomy interiors for car seats and cargo, cutting-edge driver aids, and eco-friendly efficiency – all within a family-friendly budget.

As you consider these options, think about your family’s needs: Do you frequently road trip or tow? Need a third row for carpool duty? Crave the latest tech to make commutes easier? There’s likely an EV above that meets those needs. And beyond the practical, these vehicles add a sense of adventure and inspiration to family travel. You’ll be part of teaching the next generation about sustainability while creating new memories on the road.