Lada Niva Revamped

Lada Niva Upgrade

The Lada Niva Travel, originally making its comeback in 2021, is receiving a notable update that is grabbing some attention. Avtovaz is gearing up to produce this facelifted beauty in the last quarter of 2025. It stands as a more contemporary sibling to the persistent Niva Legend, which has been around since the late ’70s.

Design & Features

With an updated exterior, the Niva Travel now sports a bigger grill design that’s not just for aesthetics. This enhanced grill works hand-in-hand with improved engine cooling. We’re talking full-LED headlights, a restyled bumper, and even newer wheels with a neat diamond-cut finish. Now, the core body hasn’t strayed too far from its predecessor, but these tweaks are making all the difference.

Under the Hood

Engine Revamp

Under its hood, the Niva Travel showcases a fresh 1.8-liter, 8-valve four-cylinder engine. This new powerplant pushes out 89 horsepower, marking an 8% increase over the old unit’s horsepower. Avtovaz packed over 50 new components into this engine to enhance intake, exhaust, and fuel supply systems. This engine even edges up in torque as it churns out about 111 lb-ft (151 Nm).

Chassis Improvements

The chassis hasn’t been left out. An anti-roll bar has been thrown into the suspension setup, boosting both handling and comfort. Throw in ventilated front disc brakes, and it’s clear that Avtovaz is prioritizing both safety and control.

Driving Feel

Now, talking about driving dynamics, the Lada Niva Travel offers a utilitarian experience that’s faithful to its roots. While some city cars might offer more horsepower, the Niva makes up for it with a full-time 4WD system that runs through a five-speed manual transmission. Handling is straightforward and rugged, which suits off-road enthusiasts or those who appreciate a simpler drive.

The Market

The Niva Travel is slated for the Russian market with prices speculated in the range of $16,700 to $20,900 depending on the trim level. While it might seem modest compared to its city car competitors, it certainly makes a statement with its off-road chops and retro-modern style.

For a driving experience rooted in rugged simplicity and a throwback charm, the updated Lada Niva Travel promises just that. It’s a unique blend of classic and modern, proving that sometimes, keeping it simple really does make a difference.