- A Brief History of the Lada Niva Travel
- Exterior Updates: A Modernized Look
- New Engine: Slight Power Increase with Improved Efficiency
- Suspension and Chassis Improvements
- Performance and Usage
- Pricing and Availability
Russian automaker AvtoVAZ has announced a mid-cycle refresh for the 2025 Lada Niva Travel, featuring noticeable exterior updates and a new engine, but only a slight increase in power. This update aims to boost the vehicle’s appeal in the Russian market while maintaining its reputation as an economical and rugged four-wheel-drive vehicle capable of handling tough terrains.
A Brief History of the Lada Niva Travel
The roots of the Lada Niva Travel trace back to the AvtoVAZ 2123 model first introduced in 1998, previously sold under the Chevrolet Niva badge until General Motors exited the Russian market in 2022. The Niva Travel was launched in 2021 as a more modern replacement for the classic Niva Legend, which had been in production since 1977.
Exterior Updates: A Modernized Look
The Niva Travel received a redesigned front end featuring a new bumper and a larger, octagonal grille positioned slightly higher on the front fascia, giving the vehicle a more contemporary and robust appearance. The headlights have been updated to full LED units with new light signatures, although their overall shape remains unchanged.
The vehicle now sports new diamond-cut aluminum wheels, seemingly larger than the previous 16-inch tires, enhancing its road presence. The rest of the body remains largely unchanged, and no interior photos have been released yet, suggesting limited or no interior updates.
New Engine: Slight Power Increase with Improved Efficiency
The highlight of the update is a new 1.8-liter, 8-valve, four-cylinder engine, a significantly revised version of the previous 1.7-liter unit. The new engine features more than 50 new components, including updated intake, exhaust, cooling, and fuel supply systems.
It produces 89 horsepower, just 7 hp more than the previous engine, while torque has increased by 24 Nm to 151 Nm, with 80% of torque available from 1000 rpm, improving low-speed responsiveness.
AvtoVAZ claims the new engine reduces fuel consumption by 3% to 30% depending on driving conditions and operates with less noise. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission and a permanent four-wheel-drive system.
Suspension and Chassis Improvements
As part of the update, engineers added a new anti-roll bar to the suspension system to improve vehicle stability and ride comfort. The front wheels now have ventilated disc brakes with updated bearings, enhancing braking performance and safety.
Performance and Usage
Although the engine’s power is modest compared to city cars, the Niva Travel targets buyers looking for an economical, rugged four-wheel-drive vehicle capable of handling off-road and challenging terrains.
The vehicle features a sturdy chassis and a permanent four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, making it suitable for muddy, sandy, or snowy conditions. It also offers a ground clearance of 220 mm, facilitating easy obstacle crossing.
Pricing and Availability
Production of the updated Niva Travel is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2025, with official pricing announced shortly before its Russian market launch. The current model is priced between 1,314,000 and 1,639,000 rubles (approximately $16,700 to $20,900), and the new version is expected to maintain a similar price range with improved performance and efficiency.
The 2025 Lada Niva Travel offers a conservative update focusing on essential mechanical improvements and a more modern exterior design, with a new engine providing a slight boost in performance and efficiency without major changes. It remains a practical, economical choice for off-road enthusiasts seeking a durable vehicle capable of tackling tough conditions without complex and costly technology.
Amid growing competition in the budget four-wheel-drive segment, the Niva Travel remains a preferred option in Russia and neighboring markets for buyers seeking a rugged, no-nonsense vehicle.
In this way, Lada balances its rich heritage with contemporary updates, maintaining its position as one of the leading economical off-road vehicles in emerging markets.
