The new Lada Azimut is the brand’s first crossover in 30 years
AvtoVAZ has introduced the new Lada Azimut crossover, which will become the brand’s first SUV in almost three decades. The model, set to be released in 2026, features a modern design, cutting-edge technology, and is based on the Vesta platform. Production will begin in Russia, and the price will exceed the cost of other Lada models.
Despite international sanctions and the war, the Russian automaker has managed to develop a completely own model. The Azimut features sharp body lines, LED optics, 18-inch wheels, and a two-tone paint job. The interior is equipped with a digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch multimedia screen, and numerous options, including a panoramic roof and a 360-degree camera.
Technical features
At the start of sales, the crossover will be offered with 1.6L (120 hp) and 1.8L (132 hp) gasoline engines, which will be paired with a manual transmission or a CVT. A turbocharged version with 150 hp and an automatic transmission will appear later. The platform has received an updated rear suspension and a ground clearance of 208 mm, making the Azimut quite capable for a crossover.
Production will begin in 2026 at the plant in Tolyatti, but due to sanctions, the model is unlikely to reach international markets. The price is expected to range from 2.5 to 3 million rubles, making the Azimut the most expensive Lada on the market. For comparison, the Niva Legend starts from 1 million rubles.
This crossover demonstrates how the Russian auto industry is trying to adapt to isolation. The lack of foreign components and technologies is noticeable in the conservative technical underpinnings, yet the design looks surprisingly modern for a brand that has specialized in simple and cheap models for decades.