In Russia, owning a car is pretty common. At the start of 2021, about 45 million cars were cruising the roads. LADA takes the lead with almost a third of them. Toyota’s a close second, boasting over four million cars, especially the RAV4 and Camry. Hyundai and Kia follow suit, each with over two million cars in the country.
In Russia, owning a car isn’t as common as it is in the US or Europe, but it’s gaining traction. They’ve got a unique approach to their car scene—imported cars face hefty tariffs, so lots of international brands set up shop there. They even tweak their models to suit Russian roads and tastes.
Russians lean towards affordable crossovers and sedans over hatchbacks or electric cars. There’s a cultural thing too—big, prestigious sedans were a status symbol back in the Soviet days, and that mindset still sticks.
Car companies have caught on, crafting budget-friendly sedans and SUVs tailor-made for Russian buyers. Crossovers are a big hit, making up almost half of new car sales in 2021.
It’s a fascinating shift—a blend of history, culture, and market demand shaping Russia’s car landscape.
Best Selling Cars in Russia
1. Lada Granta
The Granta, Russia’s budget-friendly ride, rolls off the AvtoVAZ assembly line. Customers reckon it’s solid and no-nonsense, delivering what they expected. You can snag the basic sedan for about 560,000 rubles ($7,800), or splurge on the LUXE version with perks like a heated windshield and cruise control for around 780,000 rubles ($11,000).
2. Lada Vesta
Lada’s got a new kid on the block, the Vesta. It’s versatile, coming in sedan, crossover, and even sporty versions. Sure, it’s not flawless, but it’s a steal compared to foreign brands. One Russian buyer admitted, “I knew there might be hiccups from AvtoVAZ, but I just couldn’t resist this beauty within my budget.” The basic model, with a manual transmission, AC, and airbags, starts at around 795,000 rubles ($11,200), while the top-notch “Sport” version hits about 1.2 million rubles ($17,000).
3. Hyundai Creta
This crossover is quite a steal in Russia, priced between 1.2 million rubles ($17,000) and 2 million rubles ($28,000) for the top-tier model. One driver from the Urals shares, “Sure, some folks find the 1.6-liter engine a bit sluggish, but it suits me just fine. AWD was my priority, and it’s been worth it—I can hit the outdoors anytime without fretting about rough roads.”
Hyundai made waves in Russia by being the pioneer in selling cars directly from the factory online, with no middleman needed.
4. Hyundai Solaris
The Solaris, a spinoff of the Accent, hit Russian roads back in 2010, tailor-made for the harsh conditions. Made in St. Petersburg, it’s a hit with drivers for its durability and reliability. One owner summed it up: “I wanted a ride that’d last without constant tinkering—and the Solaris fits the bill.”
The Solaris comes with a price tag between 890,000 rubles ($12,500) and 1.3 million rubles ($18,300) for the fanciest setup.
5. KIA Rio
The KIA Rio has been rolling off the St. Petersburg assembly line since 2011. It’s a sedan-only deal, which locals love. With tweaks tailored for Russian winters, like reliable heating and cold-start capability, it’s a hit. Priced between 950,000 ($13,400) and 1.3 million rubles ($18,300), it’s a solid choice for many.
6. Volkswagen Polo
In Europe, all Polo models are hatchbacks, but in Russia, Volkswagen gave it a twist, turning it into one of the most popular sedans in Russia. Owners love its spacious trunk and comfortable cabin. Plus, it drives pretty well too, better than others in its class, according to one owner.
The Polo Sedan comes to life in Kaluga, just a couple hundred kilometers from Moscow. You can grab the base model for about 1 million rubles ($14,100), or go all out with the top version for 1.9 million rubles ($26,800).
7. Lada Niva
The first Soviet SUV is still kicking and has a devoted fan following. Loved for its affordability and rugged off-road prowess, many Russians rely on it to reach their remote dachas.
The basic model starts at 660,000 rubles ($9,300), while the top-tier Niva Travel, priced at 993,000 rubles ($14,000), is equipped with a snorkel for tackling water obstacles. But, no automatic transmission! A driver from the Far East praised its off-road prowess, saying it handles rough terrain like a champ. However, folks mention it’s not the comfiest inside and guzzles fuel.
8. Škoda Rapid PA II
Another hit in the economy sedan category, the Rapid has captured the affection of Russian drivers. According to an owner from St. Petersburg, it’s a breeze to drive, boasting plenty of automated features. Just turn the wheel, step on the gas, and let the cruise control take care of the rest on the highway.
The Škoda Rapid rolls off the assembly line in Kaluga. Starting at 990,000 rubles ($14,000), even the basic model comes loaded with a touchscreen media system and Bluetooth. If you want to splurge, the top-tier version goes for 1.4 million rubles ($19,700).
9. Renault Duster
Renault cars are put together right in Moscow. While the Logan sedan was a crowd favorite for a while, the Duster SUV stole the spotlight this year. “Who needs to rush anymore?” quips one driver, loving the Duster’s laid-back vibe. Another owner says it’s the perfect family ride, making traffic jams a breeze.
The basic model, with a manual transmission, kicks off at 1 million rubles ($14,300), while the top-of-the-line 4×4 version will set you back double that.
10. Lada Largus VP
The only wagon on this list hails from AvtoVAZ. Largus, a budget-friendly ride, isn’t just for dacha-goers; it’s a hit for commercial use too. A driver from Tyumen raves about its stability, especially during Siberian winters. All models come with a manual transmission, priced between 780,000 ($11,000) and 978,000 rubles ($13,700).
