The Chevrolet Niva family of vehicles represents a further development of the domestically developed, comfortable SUV concept, which began with the VAZ-2121 Niva. They differ from their predecessors in their modern design, increased comfort, and more advanced engineering. The BA3-2123 (Chevrolet Niva) and its derivatives are all-terrain passenger cars with a monocoque station wagon body, manufactured by the GM-AVTOVAZ joint venture. They have five doors and five seats for the L and GLS models, or four for the LX and GLX models.

The engine is mounted longitudinally in the front. The transmission is a permanent all-wheel drive system with a center differential lock and a range selector. The front suspension is independent, with a wishbone-and-spring design, while the rear suspension is dependent on springs. Brakes are disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are installed on the LX and GLX models. The ZF hydraulic power steering features a steering column adjustment device. The VAZ-2123 engine with multipoint fuel injection, installed on the L and GLS models, is based on the VAZ-21213 and meets Euro II emissions standards.

The VAZ-2123 is a VAZ-21214 engine adapted to the Chevrolet Niva engine bay. It differs in the shape of the intake tract and the location of the front powertrain mounts. The mounts have been repositioned so that the engine's center of gravity is aligned with the mounts, unlike the VAZ-21413 and VAZ-21414 engines, which are mounted on cantilevered mounts. The LX and GLX models are equipped with a more powerful Opel FAM 1 Z18XE ECOTEC engine, which meets Euro IV emissions standards. Cars with this engine are equipped with a five-speed Aisin (Japan) transmission, integrated into a monoblock with the transfer case.