Lada’s Budget SUV, Previously a Chevy, Receives a Facelift for 2025 | Carscoops

      The Russian SUV may not be a game-changer, but it does boast enhanced power and torque compared to its predecessor.

      Avtovaz has introduced the updated Lada Niva Travel, which is scheduled for production in the fourth quarter of 2025.

      This new version features a revamped bumper, a larger grille, full-LED headlights, and new wheels.

      Under the hood, it is powered by an updated 1.8-liter, 8-valve four-cylinder engine generating 89 hp.

      The launch of the all-new Lada Azimut caught considerable attention this week, marking Avtovaz's first new SUV in nearly three decades. Along with the Azimut, the company unveiled a refreshed version of the Niva Travel, which includes a redesigned front and a new engine.

      Originally introduced in 2021 as a refreshed variant of the AvtoVaz 2123, which has been in circulation since 1998 and was also marketed by GM as the Chevrolet Niva until their exit from Russia in 2022, the Niva Travel now serves as a more contemporary option compared to the classic Niva Legend that has been in production since 1977.

      In an attempt to enhance its appeal to Russian consumers, the Niva Travel now features a larger, octagonal grille positioned higher on the front. The updated bumper includes modern fog light surrounds, a new lower intake, and a redesigned skid plate with an aluminum finish. Additionally, the headlights have been refreshed with new LED graphics while maintaining their overall shape.

      The updated model is equipped with a new set of alloy wheels featuring a diamond-cut finish, appearing larger than the previous 16-inch versions. The body remains mostly unchanged from the earlier model, and as the company has not released images of the interior, it is probable that there are no significant modifications there.

      New Engine and Chassis Enhancements

      The aesthetic updates made to the Niva Travel serve a functional purpose as well, enhancing engine cooling. This is particularly notable as a key feature of the mid-lifecycle update is the addition of a new and more powerful powertrain.

      The refreshed Lada Niva Travel (above) contrasted with its predecessor (below).

      The new 1.8-liter 8-valve engine is a significantly modified iteration of the previous 1.7-liter variant, incorporating over 50 new components, including updated intake, exhaust, cooling, and fuel supply systems. Consequently, it produces 89 hp (66 kW / 90 PS), which is a 7 hp improvement over the older model. Torque has also been increased by 24 Nm (17.7 lb-ft), now reaching 151 Nm (111 lb-ft), with 80% available from 1,000 rpm.

      According to the company, the new engine reduces fuel consumption by 3% to 30%, depending on the driving mode, and operates with less noise. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a specially tuned five-speed manual transmission, which is coupled with an all-time 4WD system.

      While the engine output is similar to entry-level versions of European city cars, the Niva Legend is designed to cater to budget-conscious consumers. Additionally, its outdated platform may not support more powerful engines from the Lada lineup.

      The SUV's unibody chassis has also received upgrades as part of the facelift. Engineers at Lada have introduced a new anti-roll bar to the suspension, aimed at enhancing handling and comfort. The SUV also now features ventilated discs on the front wheels in conjunction with new bearings.

      The facelifted Lada Niva Travel has undergone extensive development testing across various climatic conditions. Production is set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, with pricing information expected to be released closer to its market introduction in Russia. For context, the current model is priced between 1,314,000 to 1,639,000 rubles ($16,700 to $20,900), depending on the trim level.

      The current Lada Niva Travel is shown above.