Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs Kia Carnival

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

83mpg combined (best)
All Volkswagen ID. Buzz specs

2022–2027

Kia Carnival

Minivan - 2WD · 9 configurations

33mpg combined (best)
All Kia Carnival specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricVolkswagen ID. BuzzKia Carnival
Best combined MPG83 mpg33 mpg
Best city MPG90 mpg34 mpg
Best highway MPG75 mpg32 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$900$1,850
Lowest CO2 outputNot available274 g/mi
Engines offeredNot availableSIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI
TransmissionsAutomatic (A1)Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8)
DrivetrainsRear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesElectricityRegular
EPA classMinivan - 2WDMinivan - 2WD
Years covered2025–20252022–2027
Configurations on record29

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

ID. Buzz vs Carnival: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz or the Kia Carnival?

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 ID. Buzz and Carnival offer?

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: no engine data on record. Kia Carnival: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the Kia Carnival as Minivan - 2WD, so they compete directly.

More ID. Buzz comparisons

Comparison id: volkswagen-id-buzz-vs-kia-carnival