Lada Niva Travel

AvtoVAZ Group
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1966; 60 years ago
Headquarters	Tolyatti, Russia
Products	Lada Niva Travel, Lada Niva Legend, other Lada models

The Lada Niva Travel is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that has been manufactured by the AvtoVAZ Group since 1998. Originally introduced as the VAZ-2123 from 1998 until 2002, it was sold under the Chevrolet Niva name between 2003 and 2020 during the GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture with General Motors.

Following General Motors' divestment of its 50% share in 2020, the model briefly adopted the Lada Niva designation, sharing this name with the classic 1977-launched Lada Niva / Lada 4x4 / VAZ-2121, which also provides the mechanical basis for the VAZ-2123 platform. On December 21, 2020, it was officially renamed the Lada Niva Travel.

VAZ-2123 (1998–2002)

The VAZ-2123 was introduced as a five-door crossover utility vehicle featuring a wheelbase size positioned between those of the original Lada Niva (Legend) variants. Although it presented an updated exterior and interior design, it retained the engine, transmission, and mechanical framework from the VAZ 2121.

This rebadged model came equipped with a redesigned body and a fuel-injected 1.7-liter petrol engine.

In 2003, the vehicle underwent testing in Russia's ARCAP safety evaluation program but received a zero-star rating out of four.

Chevrolet Niva (2003–2020)

In 2002, General Motors partnered with AvtoVAZ to establish GM-AVTOVAZ, producing the VAZ-2123 under the Chevrolet Niva brand. The first generation launched in 2006 carried the "4×4" badge.

Plans for an export variant included enhancements such as a strengthened chassis, an Opel Ecotec 1.8-liter petrol engine, and an Aisin all-wheel-drive system starting in 2003. Despite comprehensive development efforts, its market introduction faced multiple postponements. GM-AvtoVAZ explored local production of Ecotec engines but abandoned this initiative in 2005, halting export model plans. The project resumed in 2006 with the "Niva FAM1" trim aimed at release in 2007; however, its premium pricing led to sluggish sales and discontinuation by April 2008. The cessation of Ecotec engine manufacturing in Hungary further impacted this outcome.

In 2009, Bertone carried out a minor facelift on the Chevrolet Niva alongside safety improvements such as ABS and dual front airbags on GLS and GLC trims.

Lada Niva / Lada Niva Travel (2020–Present)

August 2020 marked AvtoVAZ’s resumption of production for the Chevrolet Niva under the Lada marque, reintroducing it as the Lada Niva. By December that year, a new generation debuted as the Lada Niva Travel, while in January 2021, the original version was renamed Lada Niva Legend.

Looking ahead to 2026, AvtoVAZ announced a facelift for the Niva Travel model featuring an optional new 1.8-liter engine and unveiled an electric prototype known as the Lada e-Niva.

Chevrolet Niva Concept (2014)

At the Moscow International Automobile Salon in August 2014, GM-AvtoVAZ presented a concept for a next-generation Chevrolet Niva designed by Ondrej Koromház of General Motors. This concept incorporated a longitudinal engine layout, permanent four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, and a rigid rear axle suspension. The production version was intended to be powered by a 1.8-liter PSA Peugeot Citroën EC8 engine delivering 135 horsepower paired with a five-speed manual transmission; however, subsequent reports suggested it might be based on the Renault Duster platform instead. Initial production was targeted for 2016 but was halted after Chevrolet withdrew from mainstream Russian markets.

In September 2018, GM officially discontinued development of any Chevrolet Niva successor.

Lada 4x4 Vision Concept (2018)

In May 2018, AvtoVAZ secured a patent for the Lada 4x4 Vision concept, which was later revealed at the Moscow International Automobile Salon in August, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the original Niva. This concept is believed to utilize the Renault Duster's platform, with production expected no sooner than 2022.

Lada T-134 (2025)

Following the departure of Steve Mattin from AvtoVAZ in 2021, Jean-Philippe Salar took over as chief designer and initiated the development of the third-generation Niva concept. This new iteration was planned on the CMF platform, shared with the Dacia Duster and Dacia Bigster. The all-wheel-drive system was to be engineered by Russian specialists. However, the project was suspended after Groupe Renault ceased its involvement due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Development resumed independently by AvtoVAZ in 2023, transitioning to the Lada Vesta chassis. The resulting 2025 concept, named T-134—drawing inspiration from both the T-34 tank and Tu-134 aircraft—was showcased to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Technical parameters

Authorized maximum trailer weight:

With brakes — 1200 kg
Without brakes — 600 kg

Turning circle: 5.7 m Front suspension: independent spring, two-link Rear suspension: dependent spring, five-link Front brakes: disc type Rear brakes: drum type Vacuum booster diameter: 9" Available tire dimensions: 205/75R15, 205/70R15, 215/75R15, 215/65R16

External links

Official GM-Niva website (in Russian)