UPDATE (July 24, 1:00 a.m. ET): Hyundai Motor America has released a statement in connection with these discovered patents:
“This alleged India patent filing is not related to any North American concept or production vehicles. We do not have any further information to share at this time.”
Meanwhile, Hyundai India has also released its own statement:
“At Hyundai Motor India, we do not comment on speculation, nor do we provide specific guidance regarding our future product plans or products under development.
As announced earlier, Hyundai remains committed to introducing 26 new products including upgrades in India by 2030 (FY 26 to FY 30) reinforcing our long-term vision and confidence in the Indian market. Our focus continues to be on bringing world-class products, advanced technologies and future mobility solutions that set new industry benchmarks while delivering exceptional value and experiences to our customers.
We will share information on future products at the appropriate time through our official channels.”
The original story continues below.
From Show Car to Something More Tangible
The real shocker at this year’s New York Auto Show was Hyundai’s Boulder Concept – a chunky, trail-ready SUV that looked like it crash-landed from a much wilder version of Hyundai’s future.
While last year’s Crater Concept looked like it belonged in a sci-fi movie, the Boulder actually seemed like it would be a vehicle you could put your muddy boots into. Hyundai brass later admitted the concept is a sneak peek at a real-deal off-roader truck coming before the decade’s out – one built on their first-ever body-on-frame platform. As for the SUV, that’s still up in the air.
The production model remained mostly a mystery, but that has changed thanks to a newly published design patent from India’s IPO, first unearthed by MotorTrend.
India's IPO
A Familiar Shape with Production-Friendly Details
At first glance, the patent sketches stick close to the Boulder Concept’s chunky, upright vibe. The squared-off body, wide fenders, stubby overhangs, and that almost military silhouette are all still in play. However, there are a few tweaks that make the SUV ready for production.
The front end looks a little tamer with a no-nonsense grille and bumper, and the lights look smaller. The big off-road tires are still there, but now they’re matched with wheels you might actually see at a dealership. Even the roof rack and light bar look more like something you could order, and the bodywork is cleaned up with real-world trim.
Here’s a fun twist: the patent lists both Hyundai and Kia as applicants. That hints the design – and the bones underneath – could show up in both brands. It fits with Hyundai Motor Group’s bigger plan to roll out a whole family of ladder-frame machines, not just a one-off SUV.
India's IPO
The Beginning of a New Off-Road Family
Hyundai isn’t exactly hiding its ambitions. Execs have already said the Boulder is just the opening act for a whole lineup of body-on-frame bruisers in the works.
This new platform will carry both the Boulder SUV and Hyundai’s midsize pickup, and execs are already teasing more models for Hyundai, Kia, and maybe even Genesis. The truck is gunning for the Toyota Tacoma, while the SUV is aimed squarely at folks who want real off-road chops, not just another soft-roader.
Under the hood, Hyundai says it’s keeping its options open. The platform is being built to handle everything from old-school gas engines to hybrids, plug-ins, full EVs, and whatever range-extender tech comes next.
There’s still no word on when we’ll see the production version, but if this patent is anything to go by, the Boulder is inching closer to reality. For Hyundai, it’s a bold first step into a part of the market they’ve never really dared to enter – until now.
Adam Lynton/Autoblog
Adam Lynton/Autoblog
Adam Lynton/Autoblog
Adam Lynton/Autoblog
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog