Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs Kia PV5
Two electric Vans go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
79kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
71.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Kia PV5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 7.5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia PV5. The Kia PV5 counters with Apple CarPlay and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen ID. Buzz gets sonom cloth upholstery while the Kia PV5 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 1-zone in the Kia PV5.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz uses a BEV producing 210kW and 560Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds.
The Kia PV5 responds with a Electric Motor making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is 4.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 79kWh (Volkswagen ID. Buzz) vs 71.2kWh (Kia PV5), giving WLTP ranges of 422km and 400km.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz measures 4,712mm long on a 2,989mm wheelbase, 17mm longer than the Kia PV5 at 4,695mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia PV5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 1121L in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 1500L in the Kia PV5, giving the Kia PV5 a 379L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 450kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 160,934km (Volkswagen ID. Buzz) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia PV5). The Kia PV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen ID. Buzz if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia PV5 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Kia PV5 has a clear edge. The Kia PV5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Kia PV5?
The Kia PV5 is the cheapest at $55,990 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has the most range at 422km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia PV5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen ID. Buzz all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia PV5 has the largest boot at 1500L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia PV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz makes the most power at 210kW. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is quickest to 100km/h in 7.6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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