Hyundai’s First Suitable Off-Road SUV Is Getting Closer To Development

The standout reveal at this year’s New York Auto Show was Hyundai’s Boulder Concept, a rugged, trail-ready SUV that offers a glimpse into the brand’s ambitious off-road future.

Unlike the sci-fi Crater Concept, Hyundai’s Boulder Concept previews a practical, body-on-frame off-roader. This versatile platform will also underpin a new midsize pickup, marking Hyundai’s reentry into the truck market. A recently unearthed patent filing with India’s IPO further confirms the production-ready design direction of this rugged new vehicle family.

The patent sketches keep the Boulder Concept’s rugged, boxy silhouette but add production-ready refinements like a streamlined front fascia, practical lighting, and standard wheels. Filed by both Hyundai and Kia, the design confirms a shared ladder-frame platform intended to support a broader family of off-road vehicles across both brands.

Hyundai’s Boulder Concept anchors a new body-on-frame platform designed for a rugged SUV and a midsize pickup to rival the Toyota Tacoma. The versatile architecture supports gas, hybrid, and electric powertrains, with potential future models across Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Recent patent filings indicate the project is moving steadily toward production, marking Hyundai’s entry into a new off-road segment.

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