UAZ Patriot (2016–present)

UAZ Patriot overview: where the 2017 model fits

The Patriot is UAZ's large SUV: a ladder frame, solid axles front and rear, and a part-time four-wheel-drive system. It replaced the UAZ Simbir in 2005 and has been updated in several steps rather than replaced. The 2014 facelift changed the bumpers, headlights and seats; the late-2016 update for model year 2017, covered here, concentrated on the interior, safety and refinement. The full model history is on our UAZ Patriot page, and the maker's story is in the history of UAZ.

Design and body changes

From the outside, the 2017 Patriot looks much like the 2014 car. The changes are underneath and inside. According to the old 1cars text, the body gained stiffer mounts to cut vibration, the windows were bonded in place for better sealing and insulation, and the frame was reinforced at the body mounting points. The old twin metal fuel tanks, which rusted and clogged the fuel filter, gave way to a single 68-litre plastic tank, so the transfer pump between tanks disappeared.

At the back, the large side-hinged tailgate still carries the spare wheel. The same source mentions new tail lights, revised tailgate hinges, a stronger spare-wheel mount and reinforced roof rails. Approach and departure angles are 35° and 30°, and the Patriot can wade through 500 mm of water.

Engines and transmissions

The ZMZ-409 is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 16 valves, meeting the Euro 4 standard in its 2017 form. The old 1cars text describes the 2017 changes as aimed at more pulling power at low engine speeds. It also mentions a 2.3-litre diesel with about 84 kW (114 hp) and a planned 2.0-litre turbo petrol; according to German sources the diesel left the range during 2016, and the turbo engine has not been confirmed in series production.

The five-speed manual comes from the Korean supplier Dymos. The transfer case has two ranges, with a low-range ratio of 2.542:1, and is switched electrically; front-wheel drive is engaged only when needed. The final-drive ratio is 4.625:1.

Performance and fuel economy

The Patriot is built for rough roads, not speed. The 99 kW version reaches 150 km/h. Fuel use is its weak point: about 13.2 l/100 km combined and 14 l/100 km in town in published test figures, while the old 1cars text quotes about 11.5 l/100 km. By our calculation, the 68-litre tank at 13.2 l/100 km gives a range of roughly 500 km.

Patriot dimensions, weights and boot space

For scale, our size comparison with the SsangYong Rexton W shows how the Patriot measures up against a similar frame-based SUV.

Interior, equipment and trims

The cabin is where the update is most visible. A new dashboard has a flatter instrument panel under a wide hood, and a 7-inch touch screen sits in the centre console under two vertical air vents, with the climate controls below. A four-spoke multifunction steering wheel adjusts for reach and height. According to the old 1cars text, the rear bench moved 80 mm back for more legroom, the front seats got better side and lumbar support, and the boot gained a load cover. Hard plastics remain, and owners report squeaks and gaps appearing over time.

Airbags and electronic stability control (ESP) became available with model year 2017.

Safety ratings

The Patriot has not been crash-tested by Euro NCAP or the IIHS, so there is no independent European rating. The 2017 update added airbags and ESP, which earlier Patriots lacked, and the old 1cars text notes that the reinforced frame was meant to improve crash performance. Compared with modern SUVs designed for Euro NCAP, expect a lower standard of crash protection and fewer driver-assistance systems.

Reliability and known issues

Owners value the Patriot for its simple mechanicals, real off-road ability and low-cost parts. Its known weak points:

• build quality: rattles, panel gaps and hard plastics that squeak;
• high fuel consumption for its power;
• corrosion on older bodies, so check sills, door bottoms and the frame;
• front-axle engagement and the electric transfer-case switch, which should be tested on the drive;
• noisy axles on cars before the late-2016 update, which the new axles were meant to fix.

Predecessor, rivals and successor

Before the Patriot, UAZ built the UAZ Simbir; alongside it, the shorter UAZ Hunter keeps the classic 469 layout, and the UAZ Pickup uses the Patriot's front end and cab. The 2017 Patriot was not replaced by a new model; it continued with further updates. Its frame-based rivals include the SsangYong Rexton and the Great Wall Hover H5, and our Hover H5 vs Patriot comparison sets their data side by side. The Patriot is 101 mm longer than the Hover (4,750 mm against 4,649 mm), while the Hover has more ground clearance, 240 mm against 210 mm.

In Germany the earlier Patriot was sold from 2007 to 2012 as the Baijah Tulos, from 22,900 EUR. Latin American markets knew it as the UAZ Kazak (Colombia, Chile) and UAZ Patrol (Mexico). A plan announced in December 2020 to sell it in the United States as the Bremach Taos was cancelled in 2022. All UAZ models are in the UAZ catalogue.

Our verdict: the 2017 Patriot suits buyers who need a large, simple, repairable 4×4 for poor roads and towing, and who accept high fuel use and modest safety. Choose a model year 2019 or later car for the 110 kW engine, and skip it if you mostly drive on motorways.