The UAZ Hunter stands as the evolved successor to the UAZ 469 lineage, adopting the Hunter name to appeal to modern markets. It has undergone numerous upgrades over the years. Since 2015, it has represented the fifth ecoclass, and since 2019 it has been certified as a truck with the UAZ-2924 index, which precludes airbag installation. That same year, the vehicle arrived with ABS in base trim, Spicer drive axles, and a Korean five-speed manual transmission.
Several special editions have been released, including Classic, Victory, Anniversary, Expedition, and others.
UAZ Hunter
Strengths of the UAZ 3151
- Genuine SUV capability with 210 mm ground clearance, strong cross-country geometry, long-travel suspension, four-wheel drive with a reduction gear, and a plug-in system for four-wheel drive engagement.
- Straightforward design and high maintainability.
- Seven-seat arrangement with folding benches and a roomy cargo area.
- Solid resale value.
For fifty years the instrument panel has seen little change, a sign that the designers consider it effective. The controls were modernized with updated handlebars and a refined handrail after years of a simple painted pipe appearance.
Weaknesses of the UAZ 3151
- Prone to rust and frequent breakdowns in real-world use.
- High fuel consumption.
- Spares and equipment can be austere, ergonomics are basic, and sound insulation is weak.
- Stability on straight-line driving can be questionable.
Engines
In the Hunter, a mix of engines has appeared across various models. Older examples included a stubborn Polish-British Andoria diesel (2.4, 86 hp), and a Chinese Isuzu variant (2.8, 92 hp), among others.
The primary offerings feature the gasoline ZMZ-409 (2.7, 112–135 hp) and the diesel ZMZ-514 (2.2, 92–114 hp up to 2015), with different versions, ongoing upgrades, and firmware updates over time.
All engines are simple to repair and reasonably reliable when properly maintained, though overheating remains a concern for diesel variants. Spare parts quality can be inconsistent, and some assemblies require attention. Real-world fuel consumption for gasoline engines typically ranges from 15 to 20 liters per 100 kilometers, while diesels tend to use roughly one and a half times less fuel.
Gearboxes
The vehicle has used several manual configurations, including four- and five-speed units and the Chinese ADS. Domestic gearboxes are known for noise and reliability challenges, though wear and load management influence long-term performance.
Since 2006 an option has been the Korean five-speed Dymos T032E, which adds cost but is frequently praised for its reliability. The drivetrain components often share weaknesses such as the driveshaft, transfer case, and power axles, and the overall design tends to be prone to rust. Nevertheless, repairs are well understood and generally affordable.
Operational caveats
- Wear on running gear depends heavily on how the vehicle is used; predictive maintenance can be difficult due to variable usage patterns.
- Attempts to adjust camber may fail if the frame is misaligned. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect for cracks on used Hunters.
- After purchase, a comprehensive anti-corrosion treatment is beneficial, though it will not save exhaust components like the muffler, which is considered a wear item.
- Veteran owners advise examining used Hunters with miles on them in order to identify potential assembly corrections. Some owners relocate the center differential and gear selector to the rear bumper and remove the spare tire from a sagging door; alignments can be complex and lengthy repairs can be expensive.
- There are only a few vehicles under three years old on the used market.
Euro NCAP tests have not been performed for this model. The most common resale choice remains the Hunter 2.7, with the 2.7 version often highlighted as the optimal balance of performance and affordability. Other options in the same market segment include the Chery Tiggo T11, Chevrolet Niva, Hover M4, and Lada 2121, offering a range of diesel crossovers with substantial spare parts availability under various trade names. For readers seeking further insights, a companion publication titled Behind the Wheel is available via Telegram under the same brand family, presenting practical evaluations from owners and enthusiasts alike.