VW ID. Buzz a Finalist for “North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year” – CleanTechnica

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The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is trying to make its way into the US market now. After years and years of previews and hype and discussion, it’s finally here. I’ve been seeing commercials for it lately, and it’s interesting seeing how the company is trying to market it and who they think might buy it. I’ve said for years that I love the vehicle and am really attracted to it, and … I might just be exactly their target demographic (if only I had quite a bit more money). I’m totally getting into the vibe of the vehicle, its utilitarian componentry combined with its futuristic yet retro styling and tech.

So, knowing that I’m a sucker for the design, I continually wonder: how many of these could find their way into American garages and driveways? I keep questioning whether it can really be a big hit or I’m imagining it. Well, the people behind the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year™ (NACTOY) Awards may help give me a clue.

The ID. Buzz is now a finalist in the 2025 NACTOY Awards, one of just three finalists in the Utility Vehicle of the Year category. That alone tells me this vehicle has some notable appeal beyond my little worldview.

Maybe it will win, maybe it won’t, but I do think it could find an avenue into a lot of Americans’ hearts as both a super utilitarian vehicle and a super stylish vehicle. “We are so honored to be in final contention for the prestigious NACTOY awards,” commented Andrew Savvas, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Volkswagen Brand North American Region. “It speaks volumes that the jury is seeing the value of the ID. Buzz. The Buzz is about so much more than getting from point A to point B. With its combination of retro looks and modern technology, it creates more smiles per mile on every journey.” I’m not sure if that has been tracked accurately, but I could believe it.

“The prestigious awards are intended to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, user experience and value,” Volkswagen writes. Meh — everyone’s got an award, right? What’s so special about this one? “Vehicles are evaluated by a jury of 50 experienced automotive journalists who write for a wide variety of print, online and broadcast media across the U.S. and Canada.” Oh, okay. That’s a lot of expert jurors.

Becoming a finalist actually meant making it through a semi-finalist round, in which the Buzz was one of 10. To get through to the final three shows there’s been strong support for the ID. Buzz by jurors who are enamored or impressed with it for various reasons. Can those reasons carry it to the crown? Doing it for the ’70s, I think the jurors will give the Buzz the award.

Since Volkswagen created this vehicle I love, I’ll let it have the final word on what is so special about the largest ID model:

“The 2025 ID. Buzz is the spiritual reincarnation of the classic Microbus, reimagined for the electric future. The MEB architecture allows Volkswagen to return to its roots with the short overhangs and long wheelbase, while the modern package is finished off with cutting-edge EV technology and advanced driver assistance features. All models feature a 91-kWh battery; rear-wheel-drive models have 282 horsepower and 234 miles of EPA-estimated range, while 4Motion® models have 335 horsepower and 231 miles of EPA-estimated range.

“Retro-inspired styling complete with an oversized VW logo and available vibrant two-tone exterior options compliments the spacious interior featuring three available color themes: Moonlight, Dune, and Copper. Standard features include a 12.9-inch infotainment display, 30-color ambient lighting system, IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology, and Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking. The Pro S Plus and 1^st Edition trims include Easy Open for the sliding doors and tailgate, Harmon Kardon™ premium audio, and an electrochromic panoramic glass roof. Offering both bench and captain’s seat options, the ID. Buzz can accommodate up to seven passengers, making it an ideal family vehicle that is sure to turn heads. Arriving in dealerships in December pricing for the 2025 ID. Buzz starts at an MSRP of $59,995 for Pro S models.”

Indeed.

I’ll be cheering for the Buzz for sure. The other finalists are the Chevrolet Equinox EV (a fine choice) and the Hyundai Santa Fe. If the Buzz loses, though, I will just contest the election and demand a recount until the Buzz wins.