NEW YORK: The Hyundai Boulder Concept SUV (sport utility vehicle) recently made its global debut at the 2026 New York International Auto Show.
This SUV design study previews the brand’s first fully-boxed body-on-frame architecture, a new platform confirmed to underpin a production mid-size pickup to be delivered by 2030.
The Boulder Concept’s stout, ladder-frame-style construction has long been favoured by United States consumers seeking trucks and SUVs capable of serious off-roading, towing, and hauling.
The Boulder Concept’s creation was led by the Southern California based team at Hyundai Design North America.
"The Boulder Concept demonstrates how Hyundai is seeking to give American customers more of what they want,” said Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO José Muñoz.
“Body-on-frame vehicles are the backbone of American work and adventure, and we intend to compete in the mid-size pickup segment with everything we have. The body-on-frame truck is one of 36 new Hyundai vehicles coming to North America by 2030. We are entering segments we have never competed in before, and we are doing it the right way: designed in America, built by Americans for American customers.”
The Boulder Concept’s essence is the product of Hyundai’s “Art of Steel” design philosophy.
Inspired by the advanced steel technologies pioneered by Hyundai Steel (part of the Hyundai Motor Group), the alloy’s natural formability reveals flowing volumes and precise lines.
Dual safari-style fixed upper windows flood the cabin with light.
Coach-style doors reveal enhanced side-loading capabilities for both first and second rows.
A stout, low-profile roof rack includes steel webbing between the roof rails for extra cargo-carrying capability.
Boulder also delivers generous ground clearance thanks to its oversized 37-inch mud-terrain 37x12.50R18 LT tyres, including a tailgate-mounted full-size spare.
Key elements of the Boulder Concept’s exterior, such as tow hooks and door handles, include reflective material that highlights the vehicle’s silhouette in the evening hour.
Boulder even offers a novel, versatile double-hinged rear tailgate that opens from either side to accommodate every loading and unloading scenario.
A power drop-down rear window on the tailgate accommodates extra-long objects and enables invigorating flow-through ventilation when Boulder is on the move.
Boulder has been designed to be a blank canvas onto which accessories can be easily added, simultaneously enhancing functionality and better reflecting the owner’s personal taste.
When the occasional creek might stand in the way of the Boulder, a generous fording depth helps to keep things moving safely and securely.
From the driver’s seat, an available software-driven real-time off-road guidance system facilitates confident off-road adventuring, acting like a digital spotter sitting shotgun.
