UAZ Pickup (23632) 2.7 (128 Hp)

The UAZ Pickup (23632) 2.7 is a four-door, five-seat pickup truck produced by the Russian automaker UAZ (Ulyanovsky Automobile Plant) between 2008 and 2014. It represents a continuation of UAZ’s long history of producing rugged, utilitarian vehicles, primarily intended for use in challenging terrains and as work vehicles. While not officially sold in the United States, the UAZ Pickup is significant as a representative of post-Soviet automotive engineering, catering to a market demand for affordable and durable transportation in Russia and neighboring countries. It’s a vehicle designed for practicality and off-road capability rather than luxury or high performance.

UAZ Pickup (23632): A Legacy of Russian Utility

The UAZ brand has deep roots in Soviet-era vehicle production, initially focused on military vehicles. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, UAZ transitioned to producing vehicles for civilian use, maintaining a focus on robustness and affordability. The Pickup (23632) is a direct descendant of this tradition, built on a ladder frame chassis and designed to withstand harsh conditions. It filled a niche in the market for a simple, reliable work truck capable of handling both on-road and off-road duties. The 2.7-liter engine variant was a common configuration, offering a balance between power and fuel economy for its intended purpose.

Engine & Performance

The UAZ Pickup 2.7 is powered by the ZMZ-409.10, a 2.7-liter (2693 cm³ or 164.34 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 128 horsepower (Hp) at 4400 rpm and 218 Newton-meters (160.79 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2500 rpm. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. While not a high-performance engine, it provides adequate power for its intended use, offering a power-to-liter ratio of 47.5 Hp/l. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to the vehicle’s balanced weight distribution. The Pickup is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive (4×4) drivetrain, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 140 km/h (86.99 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 16.3 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 9.6 kg/Nm.

Design & Features

The UAZ Pickup (23632) features a traditional pickup truck body style with a separate cabin and cargo bed. Its design prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, with a boxy shape and minimal ornamentation. The vehicle has four doors and can accommodate five passengers. The ladder frame chassis provides a robust foundation for both on-road and off-road driving. The suspension system is designed to handle rough terrain, although specific details vary depending on the model year and trim level. Braking is provided by ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. Hydraulic steering assists with maneuverability. The tires are typically sized 225/75 R16 or 245/70 R16, mounted on 16-inch wheel rims. Safety features were relatively basic for the period, reflecting the vehicle’s utilitarian focus. The UAZ Pickup’s primary appeal lies in its durability, affordability, and off-road capability, making it a popular choice for farmers, construction workers, and those living in rural areas.

Technical Specifications