LADA · LADA NIVA · Cars
LADA NIVA Rare
As of 2026 Q1, 245 LADA NIVAs remain registered in the UK — a genuinely rare sight on today's roads. That's down from a peak of 249 in 2023 Q2 — only 98% of the high-water mark, a loss of about 4 cars. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 3 (1.2%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 86% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up. In all, the LADA NIVA is rarer than 50% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (245 in the latest data).
Rarer than 50% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Fuel breakdown
Trend
About the NIVA
The Lada Niva Legend, formerly called the Lada Niva, VAZ-2121, VAZ-2131, and Lada 4×4 (Russian: ВАЗ-2121, ВАЗ-2131, Лада Нива), is a series of four-wheel drive, small (hatchback), and compact (wagon and pickup) off-road cars designed and produced by AvtoVAZ since 1977. Initially aimed at the rural market, later models also targeted urban users. The three- and later five-door 4×4 hatchbacks were sold under the Lada marque in many markets, and have been in continuous production since 1977. In the 1990s, three- and five-door wagons on a 50 cm (20 in) longer wheelbase and an extra-long wheelbase pick...
LADA NIVA — questions & answers
How many LADA NIVA are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q1, 245 LADA NIVA were still registered in the UK — 34 licensed and on the road, plus 211 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the LADA NIVA rare?
The LADA NIVA is rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (245), making it rarer than 50% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Is the LADA NIVA increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of LADA NIVA on UK roads rose by 3 (1.2%).
What fuel do most LADA NIVA use?
Most LADA NIVA run on petrol — about 98% of those still registered, with the rest split across diesel.
When did the LADA NIVA peak?
The LADA NIVA peaked at 249 registered in 2023 Q2, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.