Kia Carnival vs Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 83 mpg combined versus 33 mpg for the Kia Carnival, a 50 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2025–2025
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Minivan - 2WD · 2 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Kia Carnival | Volkswagen ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 33 mpg | 83 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 34 mpg | 90 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 32 mpg | 75 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,850 | $900 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 274 g/mi | Not available |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI | Not available |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8) | Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Electricity |
| EPA class | Minivan - 2WD | Minivan - 2WD |
| Years covered | 2022–2027 | 2025–2025 |
| Configurations on record | 9 | 2 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Carnival vs ID. Buzz: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Carnival or the Volkswagen ID. Buzz?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 83 mpg combined versus 33 mpg for the Kia Carnival, a 50 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz runs about $900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,850 for the Kia Carnival — a difference of roughly $950 per year.
What engines do the Carnival and ID. Buzz offer?
Kia Carnival: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI. Volkswagen ID. Buzz: no engine data on record.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Carnival and the Volkswagen ID. Buzz as Minivan - 2WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: kia-carnival-vs-volkswagen-id-buzz