Russia’s $10,000 SUV Finally Gets Its First Airbag

While Toyota often gets teased for keeping the Land Cruiser 70 Series alive for decades, the Japanese icon has nothing on Russia’s Lada Niva. The rugged off-roader has been around since 1977, and its latest update finally brings something most cars have had for generations: its very first airbag. While many automakers have spent years dealing with massive airbag recalls, Lada owners have never had to worry about that problem.

Still Looks Like It’s Stuck In The 1970s

Think of the Lada Niva as a Russian competitor to the Suzuki Jimny. Built by the state-owned AvtoVAZ, the Lada Niva Legend remains almost unchanged on the outside, preserving the same unmistakable boxy shape that has made it famous for nearly half a century. This latest update adds new 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, although they look rather unusual on such an old-school design. Lada says the refreshed model features more than 100 new and 60 upgraded components.

Parts of the body, including the hood, roof, and tailgate, now use galvanized steel to improve corrosion resistance, helping the Niva better withstand the harsh environments it was designed for. The company also sells a far more modern-looking version called the Niva Travel, whose front-end styling bears more than a passing resemblance to the Lexus GX.

Modern Comforts, But Only Just

The biggest talking point is undoubtedly the addition of the Niva’s first-ever driver airbag. Due to sanctions resulting in shortages, new Russian-built cars do not require numerous safety features, including ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, and of course, airbags – emission standards are also different. Despite this, AvtoVAZ will equip the Lada Niva with airbags from here on out.

It also receives improved sound insulation, upgraded powertrain mounts, a more effective air-conditioning system, heated front seats, and a functional onboard computer. However, don’t expect cutting-edge technology. Despite the other improvements, the Niva still makes do with a traditional car radio, with no infotainment touchscreen in sight.

The base Niva Legend Classic starts at 1,099,000 ₽ ($14,100), while the special Black Series costs 1,258,000 ₽ ($16,100). Lada is currently offering a 20% discount across the Niva range, bringing the entry price down to just 784,000 ₽ ($10,000).

More Power, Same Unhurried Pace

The updated Niva swaps its long-serving 1.7-liter four-cylinder for a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine producing 89 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. The revised powertrain also promises stronger low-end pulling power and improved efficiency. Although performance remains leisurely, that’s never been the Niva’s biggest selling point. AvtoVAZ is yet to release official specifications, but the previous 1.7-liter engine sets the standard. The previous motor, which produced just 6 hp less, managed a 0-62 mph sprint in around 17 seconds before topping out at 88 mph, while returning a combined 23.76 mpg.

The Lada retains its permanent all-wheel-drive system, offers 7.87 inches of ground clearance, and weighs nearly 2,800 pounds, making it surprisingly capable once the pavement ends. And the Niva has a rather small footprint, with an 86.6-inch wheelbase – smaller than a Mazda Miata – a length of 143 inches, and a width of 66 inches. Although brands such as BMW stopped selling new vehicles in Russia after exiting the market in 2022, state-owned brands continue operations. The Lada is the perfect example thereof, continuing to refine the nearly 50-year-old icon rather than replacing it. It may finally have an airbag, but in almost every other respect, the Niva remains old-school. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?