Volkswagen ID. Buzz Is the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2025

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has taken the title of 2025 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, as announced by Volkswagen of America during the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, sources report. This modern take on Volkswagen’s classic Microbus caught the spotlight in the Utility Vehicle category, thanks to its innovative style, advanced tech, and all-electric drive.

Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, shared, ‘The ID. Buzz stands out as the only electric people carrier on the market right now. We’re thrilled the jury recognized its blend of design, space, and refinement—all while producing zero emissions. And it’s hard to ignore how it brings smiles to those who see it.‘

The NACTOY Awards are among the most respected in the auto world, honoring vehicles that lead in design, safety, handling, and user experience. A jury of 50 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada evaluated the ID. Buzz, which emerged as the top choice among three finalists in the Utility Vehicle group.

The ID. Buzz has a retro flair with a bold VW badge and lively two-tone paint options. Inside, there are three color themes: Moonlight, Dune, and Copper. Standard features include a 12.9-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting with 30 colors, and IQ.DRIVE driver assistance. It also comes with power sliding doors and tailgate.

There are two versions of this vehicle: the rear-wheel-drive ID. Buzz Pro with 282 horsepower and a 234-mile range, and the all-wheel-drive 4Motion model, boasting 335 hp and a 231-mile range. The Pro S Plus trim offers extras like sliding doors that open with a wave, a premium sound system from Harmon Kardon, a head-up display, and AreaView tech.

The base model seats seven with a second-row bench, while the all-wheel-drive and Pro S models swap the bench for captain’s chairs, seating six.

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