Categories: Automotive News

Diesel premium SUV with a price surprise: Koreans aim to reclaim the Russian market

Diesel premium SUV with a price surprise: Koreans aim to reclaim the Russian market

A price revision reshapes the premium diesel SUV segment in Russia

Russia has begun selling the refreshed 2025 Mohave, a diesel premium SUV, with first units appearing in Moscow. The Premium+ trim is listed at 8.15 million rubles, and a handful of cars are expected to reach Saint Petersburg dealers soon. This comes as a notable price reduction compared with 2024, when a similarly equipped Mohave carried around 9.3 million rubles. Experts from SPEEDME.RU highlight that the new price lands at a level that could make the model more competitive against parallel-imported luxury SUVs, especially against currency fluctuations and import duties.

Engine workhorse and performance that buyers notice

The Mohave remains powered by a proven 3.0-liter diesel V6 delivering 249 horsepower. Paired with an automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, which is impressive for a nearly five-meter-long frame-style SUV. This combination of torque, efficiency, and off-road capability continues to appeal to customers seeking a robust, capable premium vehicle in a market with limited diesel-only options.

Premium+ features: comfort, convenience, and safety

The Premium+ configuration straps in a rich set of options designed to justify the premium tag. Key equipment includes adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, a full complement of airbags, a projection head-up display, and seamless smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Comfort is highlighted with ventilated and heated seating for all rows, memory-configured electric seats, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a refined experience for both city cruising and long journeys.

Market status: no official import, but parallel supply persists

Official supply of the Mohave to Russia has ended, but the model keeps returning to the market through parallel import channels. For buyers, this means potential price advantages but also increased caution regarding service, warranty coverage, and spare parts. The Mohave remains one of the few frame-based diesel SUVs available in-country, and it has earned a reputation for strong corrosion resistance, which is often cited by buyers in Russia as a practical advantage for outdoor and harsh-weather use.

Implications for buyers and the broader market

The 2025 Mohave’s price adjustment appears aimed at rekindling interest among Russian buyers who value diesel torque, interior space, and rugged reliability. While the cost reduction improves the model’s competitiveness against newer European and American premium SUVs, potential customers should weigh long-term maintenance, parts availability, and dealership support in a market where official channels are limited. Parallel imports can offer relief on sticker prices but may complicate after-sales service and warranty terms. In a broader sense, the move signals Korean automakers’ intent to stay relevant in a volatile market, leveraging known diesel capability and strong resale appeal to attract buyers who might otherwise gravitate toward medium- and large-size rivals.

What this means for the near future

With the price gap narrowing and a diesel-driven, capable platform, Korean brands appear determined to retain a meaningful foothold in the Russian premium SUV segment. For customers, this translates into an option that blends robust off-road ability with modern tech and comfort. For the market, it signals ongoing competition among imported, parallel-import, and local offerings as currency dynamics and import policy continue to influence pricing and availability. The Mohave’s presence—though not through official channels—remains a reminder that demand for rugged, durable diesel SUVs persists in Russia, even amid shifting regulatory and economic conditions.