2026 Lada Azimut

• The 2026 Lada Azimut is Lada’s first original SUV in decades — not a rebadge, but a clean-sheet design.

• Offers 1.6L and 1.8L gasoline engines, with a 150 hp turbo version and automatic on the way.

• Aimed at the B+ crossover market, priced around 2.5–3 million rubles (~$32K–$38K).

Finally, a Homegrown SUV

It’s been nearly three decades since Lada launched a fully original SUV. The wait’s over. The 2026 Lada Azimut is here, revealed at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, and it’s not built on borrowed bones. It rides on a revised Vesta platform, sure, but the rest — exterior, interior, even electronics — is in-house. There’s something intentional about it. The way the shoulder line rises into squared-off rear quarters. The stance. It’s not flashy, just grounded.

Clean Proportions, Purposeful Stance

The Azimut measures 4,416 mm in length with a 2,675 mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is a respectable 208 mm, hinting at some off-road ambitions even though it’s front-wheel-drive — for now. Short overhangs, a flat hood, upright posture. There’s a full-width LED light bar in the rear, clean surfacing throughout. Visually, it lands somewhere between a Dacia Duster and a Haval Jolion — but sharper, more technical.

Powertrains: Basic Now, Broader Later

At launch, buyers can pick between a 1.6-liter (120 hp) or 1.8-liter (132 hp) petrol engine. Both are naturally aspirated and paired with either a 6-speed manual or CVT. It’s all front-wheel drive for now, but a 150 hp turbocharged engine with automatic is reportedly in development. It’s not electrified yet — but that’s not the point of this car. Lada’s focus here is real-world usability, not spec-sheet one-upmanship.

Digital Inside, with Familiar Layouts

Interior’s a surprise — in a good way. There’s a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment screen running Sber’s AI voice assistant. Practical features are checked off: keyless entry, rearview camera, six-speaker setup. Go higher up the trim ladder and you’ll find terrain modes, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, even heated side glass. Nothing radical. Just the right stuff.

How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

In the B+ crossover class, the Azimut lands right alongside the Geely Coolray, Chery Tiggo 4, and Haval Jolion. Lada’s aiming right between the budget and mid-tier Chinese offerings — both in price and feel. Early estimates put the Azimut between 2.5 and 3 million rubles, or around $32,000–38,000 USD. It’s more than a Vesta SW Cross, but still within reach for Lada’s loyal buyers.

Technical Specification

• Performance

  • 1.6 L naturally aspirated petrol: 120 hp (89 kW)

  • 1.8 L naturally aspirated petrol: 132 hp (98 kW)

  • Future turbo option: 150 hp (112 kW)

• Body Measurements

  • Length: 4,416 mm (173.9 in)

  • Wheelbase: 2,675 mm (105.3 in)

  • Width: 1,838 mm (72.4 in)

  • Height: 1,608 mm (63.3 in)

  • Ground clearance: 208 mm (8.2 in)

• Powertrain

  • Engines: 1.6 L and 1.8 L petrol, turbocharged 1.8 L planned

  • Transmissions: 6‑speed manual or CVT

  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (AWD/turbo variants TBD)

• Capacities & Clearances

  • Platform: Updated Vesta platform with independent rear suspension

  • Number of new/revised components: ~966

  • Tech features: digital instrument cluster, 10‑inch touchscreen, voice assistant, 360‑degree camera, dual-zone climate control, heated glass, panoramic roof, wireless charging

• Price

  • Estimated launch price in Russia: 2.5–3 million rubles (~US $32,000–38,000)

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