Hyundai has revealed the Boulder Concept at the 2026 New York International Auto Show. The concept previews Hyundai’s first body-on-frame architecture, which will underpin a pickup truck in the US market by 2030.
- The Boulder Concept previews Hyundai’s first body-on-frame architecture
- Features a real-time software-driven off-road guidance system
Hyundai Boulder concept: Exterior details
Sports an upright stance and a Liquid Titanium paint job
The Hyundai Boulder’s exterior adopts the brand’s ‘Art of Steel’ design language, with a boxy silhouette typical of rugged off-road SUVs. The front end gets a ridged muscular bonnet and two rows of pill-shaped openings studded with daytime running lamps (DRLs) denoting the letter ‘H’ in Morse code. It also features vertically stacked LED headlights and DRLs on both sides. Lower down is an off-road-spec bumper with tow hooks and an overall rugged design.
Noticeable details from the side include wide front and rear fenders, sharp window lines, functional side steps and suicide doors. The Boulder sports 18-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres and has a high ground clearance. The roof features a rack and LED lighting elements.
At the rear, the concept SUV gets a double-hinged tailgate, enabling access from both sides, along with a full-size spare wheel mounted on it. The rear windscreen can be rolled down electrically for fitting longer items. Hyundai says that the Boulder is designed as a ‘blank canvas’ onto which accessories can be added to enhance functionality and aesthetics. Its exterior is finished in Liquid Titanium paint.
Hyundai Boulder concept: Interior details
Rugged-looking cabin features four screens, HUD and rotary knobs
The rugged look of the Boulder extends to its cabin, which has a beige-and-black theme. The two-tone three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel gets rotary knobs for accessing off-road modes, and there’s also a head-up display spanning the windshield’s length. The centre console features four screens that relay off-road-related information, navigation and media, along with off-road hardware controls.
The Boulder also packs a software-driven real-time off-road guidance system that acts as a ‘spotter’ for confident off-roading. Hyundai says it has used robust materials for key touchpoints such as grab bars and other high-wear areas, and there are fold-out tray tables on board as well.
Hyundai body-on-frame production model debut details
New body-on-frame architecture to spawn a pickup truck by 2030
While the Boulder concept isn’t expected to spawn a production version, its body-on-frame platform previews a pickup truck that will be introduced by 2030. Hyundai says that the production models will be designed, developed and built for the US market, where demand for body-on-frame off-road SUVs is favoured. While there’s no confirmation for an entry in the Indian car market, the brand has confirmed a ‘muscular’ monocoque SUV with ‘off-road capabilities’ for India by 2030.
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Dhruv Dhaka
Viraaj Bhatnagar
