KATHMANDU: Hyundai is preparing a rugged off-road SUV that could rival the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. A patent image filed in India may have revealed the production version of the upcoming model, according to Carscoops.
The SUV is expected to be based on the Hyundai Boulder Concept, which was unveiled at the 2026 New York Auto Show. The concept previews Hyundai’s first body-on-frame off-road SUV.
The patent image surfaced after being filed with India’s patent office. It appears to show a production-spec version of the Boulder, although Hyundai has not confirmed the design.
The Boulder features a boxy and rugged design. The front gets a flat bonnet, a wide grille, compact rectangular headlights and vertical LED lighting elements.
The SUV also features a large lower grille, exposed recovery points and a skid plate.
The side profile features squared-off wheel arches, chunky body cladding and upright doors. The concept was fitted with large 37-inch off-road tires.
At the rear, the SUV gets an upright design with an externally mounted spare wheel and a roll-down rear glass.
The production model is expected to retain several of these design elements, although some concept-specific features could be toned down.
Hyundai has confirmed that the Boulder uses a body-on-frame architecture. The platform is understood to have been developed for the North American market.
Hyundai has not yet revealed the production model’s powertrain specifications.
Reports suggest the SUV could be offered with petrol-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains. A 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid producing around 330 hp has been suggested, while a plug-in hybrid could produce around 400 hp.
Other markets could potentially get a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engine producing around 207 hp. An 8-speed automatic transmission could be paired with the diesel engine.
The off-road hardware is expected to include four-wheel drive, front and rear differential locks and low-range gearing. The SUV could also feature a tank-turn function.
The production Boulder is expected to compete with the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner and Land Rover Defender.
Hyundai has announced plans to introduce 36 new and refreshed vehicles in the US by 2030. The Boulder is expected to be part of this expansion.
The SUV could be produced at Hyundai Motor Group’s manufacturing facility in Georgia, US. However, Hyundai has yet to confirm the production timeline or final specifications.
The Boulder is expected to make Hyundai a stronger player in the global body-on-frame SUV segment once it reaches production.
