Quite recently, a new domestic SUV Lada Niva Travel appeared on the Russian car market. After it became known that AvtoVAZ specialists were preparing an update for the classic Lada Niva, many car enthusiasts were eagerly awaiting the release of the new product. It must be said that the restyled version of the SUV turned out to be very successful in appearance and can now directly compete with another Russian “all-terrain vehicle” - the UAZ Patriot. It should be noted that both models have both positive aspects and disadvantages, and therefore their comparison must be carried out in more depth in order to finally understand which is better - the Lada Niva Travel or the UAZ Patriot.
UAZ Patriot 2021
Comparison of technical characteristics
Since technical capabilities are the main indicator of any car that motorists pay attention to, they are the ones you need to focus on first when comparing two SUVs. Main parameters of the compared models:
- UAZ Patriot accelerates to the first hundred in 20 seconds, and Lada Niva Travel - in 19 seconds;
- the average fuel consumption indicated by the Ulyanovsk automaker for its car is 13.7-14 liters, while the AvtoVAZ model spends 10.2 liters per 100 km;
- the top speed of the UAZ Patriot is 150 km/h, and that of the Lada Niva Travel is 140 km/h;
- both models are equipped with gasoline power units;
- As a recommended fuel, UAZ allows refueling with AI-92 or 95 gasoline, but Lada Niva Travel consumes only AI-95;
- Both SUVs are equipped with an all-wheel drive system.
In general, it can be noted that both cars are direct classmates and are designed both for traveling around the city and for the ability to overcome off-road conditions.
Reliability rating
According to owner reviews, the Chevrolet Niva has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of the car:
- attractive design;
- spacious and comfortable interior;
- high ground clearance;
- reliable engine;
- reliable suspension;
- high maneuverability and controllability;
- excellent brakes;
- inexpensive maintenance;
- high quality inexpensive spare parts.
Flaws:
- low-prestige image;
- low noise insulation and safety level;
- low engine power.
According to owner reviews, the crossover requires better build quality.
UAZ Patriot - according to reviews from car enthusiasts, the car has the following advantages:
- attractive design;
- high level of security;
- spacious, comfortable interior and roomy trunk;
- excellent sound insulation;
- reliable, powerful engine;
- high ground clearance;
- reliable suspension, high maneuverability, handling and brakes;
- inexpensive maintenance;
- reasonable price for spare parts.
Among the shortcomings are: outdated image, high fuel consumption and poor build quality.
Engines and transmission
When choosing between the Lada Niva Travel and UAZ Patriot, you must definitely take into account the characteristics of such important units as the engine and transmission. In the case of two domestic models, the advantage is on the side of the SUV from the Ulyanovsk manufacturer. The Patriot can be equipped with one powertrain, but it has an alternative in terms of available transmission. But AvtoVAZ has released an updated car with the usual engine and gearbox that have been installed on it for many years.
Under the hood of the restyled Lada Niva Travel there is a 1.7-liter naturally aspirated engine with a performance of 80 horsepower and a torque of 128 N*m. It is paired with the usual 5-speed manual transmission. For any configuration, the manufacturer offers an all-wheel drive system. This technical design is considered by many car enthusiasts to be the best option for a model designed to conquer off-road conditions.
The Ulyanovsk manufacturer offers a more interesting car in terms of variety of engines and transmissions. The power unit that powers the SUV is a 2.7-liter gasoline engine that operates with and produces torque of 235 N*m. In terms of transmission choice, the UAZ Patriot is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission with 6 gears. Since the car belongs to the SUV class, it is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive.
UAZ "Hunter"
Since the creation of this model, practically nothing has changed in it. The factory did a little work on the design, the interior became more suitable to the modern standard and that was the end of it. But the car received many positive reviews from owners. The engine on this car remained the same, but minor modifications were made.
The updated model received a diesel engine and a different transfer case. The car has a lot of serious advantages.
- Firstly, it is reliability, the classic brutal appearance of a real car for conquering Russian and other off-road terrain.
- Secondly, the car boasts an excellent frame design and high ground clearance, allowing you to move anywhere.
- Thirdly, there are gasoline and diesel engines, but you shouldn’t expect particularly high performance from them. This car, among other things, is an excellent subject for various modifications and improvements, which is done in numerous garages.
Reliability is really high - reviews say. Also, many people buy this car from UAZ for its thick metal body. The car is in demand not only among those who like to knead mud, but also among hunters and fishermen. The car is very comfortable both in dirt and on asphalt, especially considering its price.
Ride quality, maneuverability and handling
Comparison of these characteristics when analyzing two cars is no less important than technical parameters. First of all, both models are designed to easily overcome off-road conditions, so you need to pay attention to their ground clearance level. Here, the Lada Niva Travel, which has a ground clearance of 220 mm, looks preferable. But for the UAZ Patriot this value is 210 mm. Considering the compactness and relative lightness of the body, the new product from AvtoVAZ looks more preferable.
If we talk about the handling and driving performance of the models, then both cars do not have outstanding characteristics and capabilities in this component. The Lada Niva Travel is characterized by an independent front suspension, built on double wishbones, as well as a dependent rear suspension, which is based on springs. In addition, the car is equipped with anti-roll bars, front disc brakes and rear drum mechanisms.
The UAZ Patriot relies on a fully dependent suspension. At the front it is represented by a spring base and anti-roll bar, and at the rear – an axle built on longitudinal springs. Despite the rather “ancient” version of the design, this solution is one of the most reliable in terms of the possibility of realizing the off-road capabilities of the car.
Recent Upgrades
Over the past two years, the Chevrolet Niva has undergone several changes:
- the seats and their mechanisms are tilt adjustable;
- new throttle body reduced transmission pulsation;
- Thanks to SAAZ gas shock absorbers, controllability and stability have improved.
The technology for tensioning the alternator belt when installing it on the power unit has also changed.
Patriot received the following changes:
- strengthening the fastenings of the windshield wiper wires;
- The mounting of the washer reservoir has changed.
In 2022, the SUV received a new front axle with steering knuckles and a new clutch. The three-leaf rear springs were replaced with 2-leaf ones.
Comparison of configurations and prices
Another indicator that makes it possible to figure out which is better - Lada Niva Travel or UAZ Patriot, is the cost of the presented trim levels for SUVs. If we analyze the available price offers for domestic models, then the undisputed favorite here is the car produced by. At the same time, the UAZ Patriot offers a more interesting package in terms of the technical capabilities of the SUV. Therefore, we can say that both models will be able to find their buyer, based on his wishes and preferences.
The recently debuted Lada Niva Travel is offered to customers in five modifications, the cost of which ranges from 747.9 to 905.9 thousand rubles. The level of equipment of the updated SUV can be called quite modest, which is reflected in its cost. In the basic version, we can note the presence of electric mirrors with built-in heating, front electric windows, heated front seats, air conditioning and several driver assistants. The most expensive configuration adds front foglights, tinting, an additional airbag, a rear view camera and a parking assistant, a multimedia system with a 7-inch display and a car alarm.
UAZ Patriot, even in its basic version, will be more expensive than the most “packaged” Lada Niva Travel. The cost of this car ranges from 939 thousand to 1.4 million rubles. The SUV base includes power steering, electric mirrors with built-in heating and turn indicators, a heated rear window with a wiper, an adjustable steering column and a full set of electric windows. The most expensive Patriot is equipped with alloy wheels, roof rails, leather braided multifunction steering wheel, a combined interior, heated rear seats and windshield, climate and cruise control, as well as a host of additional assistants. Thus, despite the higher cost, the Ulyanovsk SUV also has significantly greater capabilities in terms of available equipment.
Equipment and prices (UAZ Patriot)
| # | Equipment | Model years | Cost, rub. | Drive unit | Transmission | Engine, cc. cm | Acceleration from 0 to 100, s | Max. speed, km/h |
| 1 | 2.7 MT Classic Fleet | 2018 — | 892 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 2 | 2.7 MT Football version | 2018 — 2018 | 993 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 3 | 2.7 MT Expedition version | 2018 — 2018 | 1 038 990 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 4 | 2.7 MT Maximum | 2017 — 2018 | 1 017 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 5 | 2.7 MT Optimum | 2017 — 2018 | 828 500 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 6 | 2.7 MT Prestige | 2017 — 2018 | 946 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 7 | 2.7 MT Comfort | 2017 — 2017 | 898 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 8 | 2.7 MT Privilege | 2017 — 2017 | 986 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 9 | 2.7 MT Standard | 2017 — 2017 | 757 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 10 | 2.7 MT Standard+ | 2017 — 2017 | 786 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 11 | 2.7 MT Style | 2017 — 2017 | 1 037 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 12 | 2.7 MT Classic | 2017 — 2018 | 729 500 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 13 | 2.7 MT World of Tanks Edition | 2016 — 2018 | 1 156 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 14 | 2.7 MT Comfort | 2016 — 2017 | 928 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 15 | 2.7 MT Privilege | 2016 — 2017 | 1 008 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 16 | 2.7 MT Standard | 2016 — 2017 | 816 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 17 | 2.7 MT Style | 2016 — 2017 | 1 054 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 18 | 2.7 MT Antarctic Edition | 2020 — | 1 120 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 19 | 2.7 MT Life Style | 2019 — 2020 | 1 017 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 20 | 2.7 MT Maximum | 2018 — | 1 212 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 21 | 2.7 MT Optimum | 2018 — | 1 018 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 22 | 2.7 MT Prestige | 2018 — | 1 139 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 23 | 2.7 MT Classic | 2018 — | 915 000 | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
| 24 | 2.7 AT Optimum | 2019 — | 1 126 000 | Full (4WD) | AT-6 | 2693 | None | 150 |
| 25 | 2.7 AT Premium | 2019 — | 1 282 000 | Full (4WD) | AT-6 | 2693 | None | 150 |
| 26 | 2.7 AT Status | 2019 — | 1 371 000 | Full (4WD) | AT-6 | 2693 | None | 150 |
| 27 | 2.7 AT Edition 1 | 2019 — 2020 | 1 296 000 | Full (4WD) | AT-6 | 2693 | None | 150 |
| 28 | 2.7MT | 2020 — | None | Full (4WD) | MT-5 | 2693 | 20 | 150 |
* — information on prices is for reference only. Check with your local dealer for exact pricing.
Inside the car
Yes, of course, this is no longer the old Niva, which simply has an ascetic interior. But the style of the interior of the new version remains modest and without any frills. The steering wheel is made of nice quality plastic. The seats are ordinary, without any frills. A driver of average height fits comfortably and feels comfortable behind the wheel. But according to reviews from seniors, there are some problems with the placement of the lower extremities even on a chair moved as far back as possible. Rear passengers of medium size also have enough legroom, and the ceiling is high.
The stove works 100% - the car turned out to be warm. There is good noise and heat insulation of the cabin. Visibility and control over the road (using large side mirrors) are at a good level.
Although it sometimes happens that it starts to malfunction, it doesn’t matter - read the article “Why the stove doesn’t work on a Chevrolet Niva” and you can easily fix it yourself.
What can be said about the main thing that catches your eye inside the UAZ? Space and only space. Even if there are nine of you! What you need for a trip, for example, on a large fishing trip. Accommodation amenities, however, are somewhat limited, but all the shortcomings of comfort pale in comparison with the vastness of the Patriot’s interior space. The interior design is a little uncomfortable: gray plastic, nothing outstanding.
Excellent driving review:
in traffic jams you can see 10 cars ahead. The driver's seat let us down, it could have been made more comfortable. The stove is good, but due to the large interior, the windows fog up from the inside, and their airflow is not thought out.
Maintenance costs
The costs incurred by the car owner during its operation are a fairly important factor that is recommended to be paid attention to. Speaking of two domestic models, it is difficult to find a favorite in terms of savings. Both cars are considered budget and will not require huge expenses for repairs. The only factor that speaks in favor of the Lada Niva Travel is lower fuel consumption per 100 km of travel.
Reviews from car owners
Maxim, 26 years old, Krasnodar: “I decided to buy a car specifically for outdoor trips. Shniva copes with its tasks. You shouldn't demand anything supernatural from the car, given its price. I changed the oil immediately after purchase. I’ve already driven the Chevy for 500 km and noticed only one big drawback - noise in the cabin.”
Olga, 32 years old, Perm: “Patriot is a reliable family car. Thanks to the spacious trunk, you can transport large quantities of things. The car turned out to be good in terms of comfort: heated seats, multimedia system, intuitive controls. There are no problems with passing difficult roads.”
Which of these cars do you think is more reliable and economical? We are waiting for your comments!
Appearance and dimensions
The appearance of the car is what motorists who want to purchase a new model pay attention to. A modern SUV should look stylish and brutal. And if all motorists have long been accustomed to the appearance of the UAZ Patriot, and it does not have an outstanding and memorable exterior, then the updated Lada Niva Travel can become a bestseller on the market precisely thanks to its fresh exterior.
The restyled version of the SUV from AvtoVAZ has become similar to the Japanese bestseller Toyota RAV4. Such a decision by the manufacturer was not expected by experts, and therefore the car caused a real “wow” effect at the time of presentation. If we talk about the dimensions of the two domestic cars, then the UAZ Patriot will look much more impressive. Among the main indicators are:
- body dimensions of the Lada Niva Travel are 4099 x 1804 x 1690 mm, and for the Ulyanovsk model - 4785 x 1900 x 2100 mm;
- the distance between the axles for Lada Niva Travel is 2450 mm, for UAZ Patriot – 2760 mm;
- the weight of an SUV from AvtoVAZ is 1485 kg, a car from Ulyanovsk is 2000 kg;
- The trunk volume of the Lada is from 320 to 650 liters, for the UAZ – 650-2415 liters;
- The gas tank of the Lada Niva Travel holds 58 liters, and that of the UAZ Patriot – 68 liters.
In general, the SUV from UAZ looks much more powerful, but in the visual department the Lada Niva Travel wins quite seriously.
Car safety
Regarding safety, Patriot took second place among the cars provided. Niva behaves more balanced on ice. Like its body, it is more reinforced in case of an accident. So the security system in Nive is better.
In general: the UAZ Patriot is much more expensive to repair spare parts, and even to service itself, than the Chevrolet Niva. And new parts for it are more difficult to find than for Nivu. In some cases, it breaks down much more often than a Chevrolet. But according to some characteristics, the Patriot is many times better.
Each person must decide for himself for what purpose he is buying a car. If you drive a lot besides the asphalt road, then both cars are of high quality and comfortable. When talking about urban areas, the Patriot will drive hard on asphalt, the owner will often complain that the car behaves rudely on the road. Chevrolet is a softer car; you can drive it comfortably both in the city and through the forest.
Salon and trunk
Finishing the comparison of the Lada Niva Travel and UAZ Patriot, one cannot help but dwell on the interior decoration and free space of the cabin of each of the models. In addition, you must take into account the available volume in the trunk, allowing you to transport cargo.
Speaking about each of the models, it should be noted that the interior decoration uses not the highest quality materials, which emphasize the budget status of SUVs. In the interior of the Lada Niva Travel, only a multimedia system control display can be noted, but it is available exclusively in the top-end equipment version. Exactly the same can be said about the capabilities of the UAZ Patriot.
It is surprising that the management of AvtoVAZ did not decide to qualitatively update the interior decoration of the Lada Niva Travel, especially considering the radical change in the appearance of the SUV. The obviously outdated interior, which was also reserved for the model called Chevrolet Niva, has not gone away and significantly worsens the perception of the car, especially after the pleasant impressions of car enthusiasts associated with its updated appearance.
An important indicator in the characteristics of off-road models is the capacity of their luggage compartment. When going on a trip out of town, you definitely need to put a lot of useful items in your car that you can’t do without. Therefore, the undoubted advantage of the car is its spacious trunk. In this case, the advantage goes to the UAZ Patriot model, which can accommodate cargo up to 2415 liters. In comparison with the “tiny” 650 liters of the Lada Niva Travel, this figure is phenomenal.
Chevrolet Niva
Advantages:
- the main advantage of the Niva is its affordable price, compared to other cars in this class;
- ease of maintenance and available spare parts;
- has a reliable suspension;
- bright headlights;
- compact dimensions;
- relatively roomy trunk.
Flaws:
- lack of an ABS system as standard;
- poor engine dynamics;
- Poor quality factory painting of the body and underbody.
What is better to choose
Despite the fact that both models are the result of the work of the domestic automobile industry, they differ quite significantly. Therefore, it is impossible to definitely choose the Lada Niva Travel or UAZ Patriot. Lada Niva Travel has a more modern appearance and low cost, which speaks in favor of its purchase. In addition, the car’s not so large dimensions make it possible to maneuver in city traffic conditions. For those who can allocate more money for the purchase and want to get a powerful car, you can consider the option of purchasing a UAZ Patriot. The SUV from Ulyanovsk has large dimensions, a high-torque engine and the best level of equipment, which is especially valuable when driving in off-road conditions.
Differences in the interior
The high ground clearance of the UAZ Patriot causes difficulties when landing. To get to the threshold, you need to overcome a half-meter height. Therefore, you first have to climb onto the step, and only then can you enter the cabin. But once inside the cabin, you can get a pleasant feeling by contemplating the surrounding space from a decent height.
The Patriot's interior is distinguished by its spaciousness; it can comfortably accommodate the driver and all passengers, regardless of their size. The production of complete seats is carried out by the Japanese company. They may well provide a comfortable fit for a comfortable trip. The trunk of the car deserves special attention. Its dimensions allow you to keep a large amount of useful equipment and devices at hand.
The lower location of the Chevrolet Niva sills ensures comfortable entry into the car interior. However, there is significantly less space in the cabin. Here, rear seat passengers have to rest their knees on the front seats. But, if we evaluate it as a whole, then all the interior elements are made quite carefully, the seats have a comfortable fit.
Other options
Considering competing models from representatives of this class that can be purchased as an alternative, we should note several more high-quality off-road vehicles that have similar capabilities and costs. First of all, the car enthusiast needs to pay attention to the Lada 4x4, which is now sold under the “name” Niva Legend. We also cannot fail to mention such affordable foreign crossovers with off-road capabilities as the Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. Each of these models has its own advantages that make the car stand out from its main competitors.
Uaz patriot in the new generation - beautiful, but not functional
Patriot is one of the anticipated cars that was advertised for a long time before its release. The car has already changed generations and taken on a slightly different appearance. Having lost a large market share due to an objectively outdated and uninteresting design, the company decided to make a good update to the exterior as well as the interior. Today UAZ Patriot has the following important features and characteristics:
- choice between a good gasoline and a modern diesel engine with good performance;
- successful exterior, tailored to the requirements of a modern person in any driving situation;
- good technology, a good replacement for a manual transfer case with electronic all-wheel drive with good control;
- impressive cross-country ability, thanks to fairly powerful updated power units;
- quite nice appearance with modern updates, but keeping in the class of brutal cars.
