I love the Jimny. It is the most endearing off-roader in the game, hands down. Unlike Jeep, Land Rover, Mercedes, or any other legendary 4×4, the Suzuki Jimny doesn’t throw its weight around (it doesn’t have weight to throw). Either way, what makes it so great is its small size and small power and still being proficient off-road. But, like many cool cars and trucks, we can’t have it here in America. But a new foreign off-roader is coming in its stead; the UAZ Patriot 4×4. 

What in the world is a UAZ Patriot 4×4?

The UAZ Patriot is one of Russia’s most popular 4x4s. If you’ve heard of Lada, then you get what’s going on here. They are simple, efficient, and affordable little SUVs that were born from the harshness of Russian winters. A couple of years ago, Motor1 went and tested the 2018 UAZ Patriot. Aside from a tech update and restyling in 2016, the Patriot has gone mostly unchanged. After 13 years in production, we are finally getting the Russian 4×4. 

The UAZ Patriot is coming here in a different wrapper

Although it’s exactly the same, the UAZ will be marketed here as the 2022 Bremach Taos. It still has everything we want to hear from a little 4×4 off-roader; body-on-frame, inexpensive, and of course, four churning wheels. It’s not a Jimny, but maybe it’s close? Let’s take a closer look. 

But first, let’s deal with the elephant in the room. Yes. Volkswagen has a new crossover called the Taos, but Bremach says they have taken all the necessary steps to get the certifications to clear the rules and sell in the states. I won’t lie, that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, but I’m not complaining. 

So, how does the UAZ Patriot (Bremach Taos) stack up against the beloved Suzuki Jimny?

The Bremach will start at $26,405. Bremach says the Patriot is “designed to give customers massive value, immediately” due to the standard features that are typically offered as expensive upgrades on other SUVs. Bremach is promising a lot from the little Russian. It says to expect the utility and security from the Lexus LX while being as tough and capable as a Defender. That is a lofty goal. 

Compared to the little Jimny, the Patriot is bringing a little more to the party. The Suzuki Jimny is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four good for 101 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque. The Russian is packing a little more heat with its 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine making 150 hp. While that extra power may look good, the Patriot weighs almost twice as much as the simple little Jimny. The Patriot is a good deal bigger than the Jimny. Motor1 says it’s roughly the same dimensions as the Ford Ranger.

The UAZ might be a bit bigger but it comes with some cool stuff

As of 2020, the Patriot joined the 21st century and got hooked up with an automatic transmission, if you’re into that sort of thing. The 2020 Jimny also has a four-speed automatic as an option. Bremach says the Patriot will also be set up with modern amenities like a standard electronically controlled transfer case and optional electronic locking rear differential. Bremach will also offer a host of off-road accessories like snorkels, lift kits, cable winches, and more. 

These 4x4s are different but also similar – but different 

The Bremach Taos isn’t a one for one replacement of the Jimny, but it scratches the itch. It’s not as small and compact as the Jimny, but it’s still small. It’s not as cute and endearing, but it is somewhat cute. The Taos is not a Jimny replacement, but it is a Jimny-shaped band-aid – and sometimes a band-aid is all we need to feel better.