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.
Motors
In terms of engines, there is no particular difference between the regular Niva and the Bronto. Both cars are equipped with standard 1.7-liter four-cylinder engines. Their common ancestor is the power unit of the VAZ-2101 model. They have distributed gasoline injection and comply with the Euro-5 environmental standard.
The engines were last modernized in 2008. In particular, the valve lever hydraulic mounts and timing chain tensioners have been updated.
Niva and Bronto, in addition to the similarity of such engine elements as the crankshaft, piston groups, cylinder heads and connecting rods, also have a number of differences. So, the Lada has a modified oil pan configuration, and the power plant supports are in new places. These changes occurred because the gearbox on a regular Niva is attached to the motor, while in Bronto it is separate.
In this case, the Chevrolet generator is placed at the top of the engine - this opportunity appeared after the spare tire was moved to the tailgate.
The Lada also differs in the shape of the intake hoses, throttle pipe and receiver.
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.
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.
UAZ or Niva: differences in suspension design
The UAZ Hunter has a dependent leaf spring suspension, which is distinguished by its reliability when driving on mud and stones, but on the other hand, there is a complete lack of comfort. That is why this car is called the “goat”.
Compared to the Hunter, the ride on the Niva is softer, since the suspension here is different: independent in the front and dependent in the rear. In addition, the Niva also has power steering, ABS brakes and emergency brake assist.
Also interesting: Fuses and relays Lada 2121
The interior has a fabric interior and power accessories have been added to the front doors, but otherwise the car remains the same as it was 20 years ago. Among the options is only a cigarette lighter, and what else is needed for a comfortable ride on the harsh Russian off-road.
As for the UAZ Hunter, its finishing is even more modest, but there is an opportunity to make tuning based on your taste preferences. Typically, Hunter owners purchase a winch, a protective bumper or a guardrail, and also install an additional trunk or gas tank. Since this is an off-road vehicle, it is usually made as functional as possible for off-road driving.
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.
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.
A little history
In general, comparing Niva versus UAZ is not entirely correct, because these cars were created for different purposes and belong to different classes. And if the UAZ is a full-fledged SUV with a frame, a spartan interior, strong and reliable components, then the Niva is closer in design and characteristics to modern crossovers. The fact is that the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant jeep was created by order of the military on the basis of another frame SUV - the GAZ-69. The goals for the vehicle were set accordingly: movement in a tank column, towing light artillery pieces, etc.
UAZ - an SUV with a military past
The Niva was created from scratch (based on the components and assemblies of the Zhiguli “classics”) and as a purely civilian car. It was already given completely different tasks: comfortable movement both in the city and on country roads and moderate off-road conditions. At the time of its creation (70s), the Niva became the first representative among crossovers, it was distinguished by excellent characteristics and quality, as evidenced by the high achievements of this car in motorsport. This Soviet SUV was exported to many countries around the world, including Western Europe, where it is still popular and respected.
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.
Popular cars
Part 1. Purchase.
At the beginning of this summer, a friend and I decided to take up 4x4 forays. We read the sites, estimated the capital and came to the conclusion that we can afford either a dead NIVA or an UAZ “on the go.” After thinking a little more, we took a destroyed UAZ with the goal of building it into an all-terrain vehicle for driving through the forests. At that time, gradually investing money suited us better than spending 200-300 thousand at once. A UAZ suitable for the price was found. It was parked in the garage at Novoebinevo, disassembled, and refused to start. But he looked brutal. A real iron machine. You can cut down trees with a bumper and dance a jig on the hood. After our Mitsubishi, the car looked real, iron, eternal. The first inspection took place in the dark. The UAZ was rolled out of the garage and within a couple of hours we managed to start the engine. Surprisingly, it worked stably and relatively quietly. On this solemn note, we decided to take it. The previous owner equipped it with doors, a windshield, some arches for the awning, and the awning itself, which has seen a lot in its life. In general, that's all. In the cabin there are 2 front “chairs” secured with two bolts, a steering wheel, 3 pedals and 3 light bulbs. All. On that ill-fated day, the owner drove the UAZ to the local traffic police and it began... To begin with, we filled out all the documents and gave the sellers 50 thousand rubles for this miracle of the Soviet automobile industry. I was driving my own car, so I put a friend behind the wheel of the UAZ. This man has driven only right-handed Japanese cars with a gun all his life. So we faced the problem of adaptation. But in general, after a couple of minutes the UAZ moved. I drove about 5 meters, stalled, started up (it surprisingly started at half a push), drove another 30 meters and stopped. I went to find out what was going on. It turned out that the gear shift knob was stuck. And neither here, nor here, and not at speed. God knows what. We called the owners. They drove up, threw off the turtle, threw off the handle, and set everything up as it should. It turned out that the grooves in the gear shift forks were worn out and if excessive force was applied in the wrong direction, the handle simply popped out of the grooves. This was the first call. Oh well, we thought. Russian technology, it happens. We got to the gas station and found out that the tank was leaking. Moreover, the flow is not very sour. We drained some gasoline and the leak stopped. We drove another 50 meters and the clutch died. This is where I started to get nervous. They called the owner again, he came with a friend and began changing the clutch slave cylinder right on the side of the road. Although the master cylinder was covered, from what I saw. As a result, replacing the cylinder did not lead to the desired result. My nerves finally gave way. I wanted to kill these nice people right on the side of the road and burn them along with the UAZ. The guys saw through the trick and offered to “bring the car to perfection.” We agreed to meet in a week, in their garage. During this time, they had to figure out the clutch, change the tank and do something with the gear shift knob. We arrived a week later and did a short test drive. It starts right away (which amazed me most about this car), the gears engage more or less normally, the all-wheel drive turns on, nothing crunches, it drives, the headlights work, the tank is new. The stove was basically missing from its regular place. The radiator from it was lying in the trunk, the thermostat was removed from the engine. And it’s still April, not even the month of May... So, let’s go. This time we arrived in a friend’s car, so I was driving, as I was more experienced in handling mechanics. Dubak is a dick. The doors don’t close tightly, it blows into all the cracks.. At that moment, the thought “Lord, how did I end up here???” once again came into my head. We drove one and a half kilometers, got out onto the road and the UAZ began to stall. Yes, something like that!!! As a result, after driving another 5 kilometers, it completely stalled. They opened the hood. It's dark - you can't prick your eyes out. I didn’t have flashlights with me, so I lit them with my phones and called the owners. The guys quickly realized what was wrong and advised us to stick the “bug” inserted instead of the fuse more tightly. The car started. We drove another 5 kilometers. When switching to 3rd gear, the gearshift knob again jumped out of the grooves of the forks. (Lots of swear words) But fortunately, the box remained in the 3rd gear position. I rode on it, my dear, the rest of the way. It’s a little hard to start with, of course, but you don’t have to switch anything. Up to 90 km in 3rd gear. Almost like an automatic machine. On the way, the car stalled several more times and we climbed under the hood several more times, pulling up one thing or another. At some point the brakes almost failed. I barely braked. Luckily it was already 2 am, there were almost no cars. The most fun was on the roundabout. I didn’t dare drive through the city with such brakes. And the likelihood of needing to brake sharply at 2 a.m. on a roundabout is much less. Even then, a suspicion crept into my mind that we were the same fools of whom there are so many on Russian soil. In general, I drove this miracle of technology to the parking lot, immediately bought 2 cans of stronger gin and tonic at a nearby stall and sat down in a friend’s Pajer to warm up and relieve stress. I've never driven such broken down cars before. Unfortunately, all the feelings cannot be conveyed in text.
Part 2. Repair.
About a week later, when I had stopped cursing us for our stupidity, we got together and went to see what we ended up buying. In fact, it turned out that the body can be thrown away immediately. There's not even anything to cook there. All electrical needs to be redone. The box is fucked. A crack fell out and jammed not the gear shift knob, but the clutch in 3rd gear. There is no oil in the transfer case. In the rear axle too. Arches from the awning - rusty bed legs bent in place. About half of the required number. The awning is all full of holes. There are a lot of broken spare parts in the trunk. I once again cursed us, the sellers, the entire Soviet automobile industry and the president to the heap. We bought more alcohol and drank gloomily all weekend. Silently.
Another week has passed. The feeling of lost money haunted us more and more. We decided this - we don’t do ANYTHING to the car, we put it in motion and kill it in the forests over the summer. There we'll leave him to hell. But these plans were not destined to come true.
All summer on weekends, we lay like damned people under this UAZ. We went through the box, transfer case, bought a new battery, because... They handed us some dead shit as old stuff, as it turned out. Along the way, we bought mirrors and a bunch of other small things that were missing in the car. The clutch and its master cylinder were also changed. All this was done on the side of the road, next to the stall, so as not to run far. We installed and removed the transfer case 3 times. Let me tell you, doing this together on the side of the road is a most interesting activity. Especially the first time. I spent a week sorting out the transfer case at work (I’m a system administrator in general ), guided by manuals from the Internet. In general, the day came when the car started moving. The gears were not switched very clearly, water from puddles flew merrily into a hole in the floor around the transfer case, but the car drove! We fixed it ourselves, at the curb! We were incredibly proud of ourselves and went to register it. The traffic cops asked why we bought this trough and silently registered it. And very quickly, we were at the traffic police for about 40 minutes. Thank them very much for this. Naturally, this matter was washed as necessary, because the warranty does not apply to equipment that has not been washed. Next it was decided to work on the brakes. We spent 4 days filming the old ones. All brakes are drum. I don’t understand how anything slowed down there at all. The last time something was sorted out there was about 20 years ago. All pads are worn down to zero, all brake cylinders are soured. The brake pipes are about to burst... Nothing can be unscrewed. Nothing at all. Everything is done either with a crowbar or with a hand saw for metal. In general, all this was purchased and installed on the car. In about 4 weekends. Everything except new tubes. The weekend is over here. At all. And work on the UAZ stopped. 2 months have passed since then. The fighting spirit was gone. Especially after calculating how much more needs to be invested in it so that you can go for rides. According to more or less accurate calculations, it came out to 200-250 thousand. And it’s not clear what to do with the body... In general, the topic died down, hands gave up.
Part 3. Conclusions.
In principle, I do not regret the time and money spent. Over the summer I acquired a bunch of new tools and gained invaluable experience in using them. Soured nuts of any size are no longer a concern. Go through the box? It's a piece of cake! But the facts are inexorable. In total, about 85 thousand rubles were spent on the UAZ, and it still remained a bucket. And it was decided to quit with this thing, because... it no longer brought pleasure.
Now I'm thinking about buying a NIVA. Long, 2131, used. Remembering past mistakes and the lack of time for major repairs, I want to buy a NIVU in good condition. To sit down and go. And then just refine it as best you can. Elevator, wheels, snorkel, expedition vehicle, etc. and so on. Tell me – am I an idiot and am I amusing myself with empty hopes or is it worth a try?
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.
Which car is better off-road?
But as practice shows, in all tests a lot depends on the gasket between the seat and the steering wheel, and on its experience. Another important factor is what tires are installed on the car. If the cars have approximately the same tires, and approximately the same drivers behind the wheel, then they will show approximately similar results on off-road, that is, they will drive equally far into the forest.
The most important thing to remember when overcoming off-road conditions is that it is important not to sit on your belly or on bridges, that is, not to allow the car to bury itself. If you feel that the wheels are starting to slip and the car is standing still, then there is no need to continue pressing on the gas. We must try to go backwards, then forward again.
By the way, thanks to its lighter weight, the Niva has a greater chance of not getting stuck.
Also interesting: Toyota all-wheel drive - Auto-guts: what's inside the cars?
If the question of whether to choose a UAZ or Niva has not been resolved by itself, then we recommend taking the Niva, because it is more practical for everyday driving. It is also convenient to drive around the city, as it is quite compact. It is also convenient to ride in mud, since due to its low weight there is a greater chance of not getting stuck. Yes, and it is more nimble, it can even accelerate to 135 km/h on asphalt.
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.
