Hyundai Boulder Concept previews first-ever body-on-frame truck and rugged SUV
Revealed at the 2026 New York Auto Show, the Boulder Concept previews a new body-on-frame platform underpinning a midsize pickup due before 2030, with an SUV likely to follow.
Rob Leigh
Hyundai has pulled the wraps off the Boulder Concept at the New York International Auto Show, giving the clearest signal yet that a production body-on-frame pickup and rugged SUV are coming.
The concept previews an entirely new ladder-frame platform, Hyundai's first. A midsize pickup built on it is confirmed for production by 2030, designed, developed and built in the United States using American-produced Hyundai Steel.
The Boulder itself is a boxy, upright SUV with serious off-road credentials baked in from the start. It rides on 37-inch mud-terrain tyres, sits on generous ground clearance, and features aggressive approach and departure angles suited to genuine trail use. A double-hinged tailgate opens from either direction, and a power drop-down rear window accommodates long loads.
Styling follows Hyundai's new "Art of Steel" design language, developed by the brand's Southern California design team. Dual fixed upper windows flood the cabin with light, coach-style doors improve access to both rows, and a roof rack with steel webbing adds practical cargo capacity.
Inside, Boulder ditches the oversized touchscreen trend entirely. Four small square displays sit centrally on the dash, with physical knobs and buttons for key functions including diff locks, low-range gearing and 4WD settings. Vital vehicle info is projected at the base of the windscreen in a full-width head-up display arrangement. It's a concept, but Hyundai says the interior direction reflects genuine intent.
Powertrain details haven't been confirmed, though the platform is expected to support combustion, hybrid and electric options.
For Australian buyers, there's no confirmation of local availability yet. Given demand for serious off-roaders here, a production version would have obvious appeal against the Toyota LandCruiser, Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender. Hyundai Australia hasn't commented.
Hyundai's luxury arm Genesis is also expected to draw on the same platform for a future off-road model, extending the reach of what could become a significant new vehicle family for the group.
The Boulder is a concept, but the platform behind it is very real. With a production ute locked in for before 2030, the SUV version looks like a matter of when, not if.
