Even Ladas Get More Expensive as Scrappage Fee Sparks Price Hikes

January car price hikes are a long-standing Russian tradition, but in 2026 it became particularly noticeable. Almost all brands have rewritten their price tags, with an average increase of 50,000–100,000 rubles (about $556–1,111 at current rates). It is important to note that car prices have been rising continuously since mid-autumn, and some brands have adjusted their prices 3–4 times in the last couple of months. Here«s a breakdown of which models have become more expensive and by how much.

Why Prices Accelerated

One reason for the price increase is a sharply higher scrappage fee. For new cars with 1–2 liter engines, it increased from 667,000 to 800,000 rubles (+133,000 rubles / about $1,478), but it«s even higher for engines with more than 160 hp. For instance, for a 224 hp engine, the scrappage fee is over 1 million rubles (+333,000 rubles / about $3,700), and for used vehicles, electric cars, hybrids, and more powerful cars, the increase is even greater. This is compounded by general inflation and an increase in VAT.

AVTOVAZ Is No Exception

Domestic manufacturers also pay the scrappage fee, so the price hikes have also affected AVTOVAZ. However, since local assemblers receive budget compensation, it is easier for them to hold prices.

Interestingly, AVTOVAZ had already raised model prices in December. For example, the Lada Vesta became more expensive then. This, by the way, cost AVTOVAZ dearly: in December, sales of the model fell by almost half, down 45%, allowing not only the Haval Jolion but also the Tenet T4 and T7 to outsell it. The arrival of the Lada Iskra, which competes with the Vesta, was also a factor.

Nevertheless, the plant again increased prices in January, though for the latest versions of the same Vesta, the change was symbolic—by 2,000 rubles (about $22). But last year«s cars became more expensive by 33,000 rubles (about $367): for example, the base Vesta in the Comfort»25 version now costs not 1.525 million but 1.558 million rubles (about $17,311). The sedan in the Techno trim with a 1.8-liter engine and CVT rose to 2.020 million rubles (about $22,444), the same crossover wagon—to 2.251 million rubles (about $25,011), and the most expensive SW Sportline version—to 2.525 million rubles (about $28,056).

Other Ladas also became more expensive: the Granta—by 21,000 rubles (about $233), the Niva—by 23,000–35,000 rubles (about $256–389). However, the Largus, on the contrary, dropped by 73,000 rubles (about $811).

The new AVTOVAZ Lada Iskra is gradually gaining momentum and entered the top 10 sales in December with 3,200 cars sold, so it has a chance to catch up with the Vesta, which is losing customers. But the price increase has also affected it: if the base price of the Lada Iskra started from 1.249 million rubles, it is now 1.277 million rubles (about $14,189). The SW Cross version in the Techno trim, which we tested in the fall, now costs 1.747–1.827 million rubles (about $19,411–20,300).

What About Foreign Brands?

According to auto expert Oleg Moseev, models from Haval, Geely, Belgee, Changan, Solaris, Omoda, and Jaecoo have risen in price by approximately 50,000–100,000 rubles (about $556–1,111).

The newly minted bestseller Tenet has also added to its price: if in September the ex-Chery Tiggo 4 was offered from 1.999 million, the price of the Tenet T4 has now risen to 2.039 million rubles (about $22,656). Versions with a turbo engine and automated manual transmission cost from 2.22 million rubles (about $24,667), now—from 2.295 million rubles (about $25,500). The Tenet T7 could be bought in the fall for 2.68 million rubles (about $29,778), now—from 2.735 million rubles (about $30,389).

For brands that sell powerful and expensive cars, the increase is stronger: Tank added 100,000–300,000 rubles (about $1,111–3,333), Lixiang—140,000–190,000 rubles (about $1,556–2,111), and this is in addition to a December surcharge of around 1 million rubles (about $11,111). The newly created brand Nordcross, under which Sinified analogs of the Volvo XC90 are sold, raised prices by 540,000 rubles (about $6,000), and the Rox 01 became more expensive by 133,000 rubles (about $1,478).

Will There Be Further Price Increases?

A lot depends on the population«s purchasing power. In the fall, prices began to rise due to increased demand against a backdrop of negative expectations, and after such peaks, the market traditionally dips. Analysts do not expect activity in the first half of the year, which should slow price growth.

However, current markups have not yet fully accounted for the scrappage fee increase (about 130,000 rubles / about $1,444), so another round of car price hikes by spring is possible. For now, dealers are selling off last year«s inventory, sometimes with large discounts, but the next batches will go at the new prices. An additional risk factor is currency exchange rates. A weakening ruble could give a new impetus to price growth, although such a cycle usually stretches over 3–6 months.

On the positive side: Russia is switching to locally assembled cars. In 2025, their share exceeded 50%: this includes Lada, localized foreign brands (Haval), and «new Russian brands» (Tenet, Moskvich). Thanks to government subsidies, such producers have more flexibility in setting prices, but whether they will use this depends again on the intensity of demand.

Here is a list of new models expected on the market in 2026. During the New Year holidays, we reported on the new Dongfeng Mage, Jetour T1, and GAC Empow.