Hyundai SUV Patent Image Reveals Burly LooksHyundaiBack in April, Hyundai made its official entrance into the body-on-frame truck/SUV market with its Boulder concept unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. Now, a recently discovered patent filing shows off what a production version could look like.The patent, which our Hearst Autos colleagues at MotorTrend first brought to light earlier this summer, was filed on May 19, 2026 with India's Intellectual Property Office. The patent filing includes few details, but it is attributed to Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation. The application also includes a detailed rendering of a boxy SUV's exterior, and it looks quite similar to the Boulder concept—albeit with some generally minor differences as one would expect when a vehicle goes from the show stage to the production room floor.The Hyundai Boulder ConceptHyundaiThat is good news, as the initial concept sported a handsome widebody design, 37-inch tires, and a massive light bar. The image in the patent filing goes one step further by adding what appears to be a roof rack, with straps running directly between it and the hood. A properly elevated suspension and meaty all-terrain tires remain on the new rendering, though the front fascia has been scaled down a bit. A new lower grille is also present, featuring an airy honeycomb design.AdvertisementAdvertisementHyundai has been teasing its body-on-frame lineup for years, and the Boulder represents its first real step toward production. The Korean automaker declined to specify production plans for the body-on-frame during its reveal earlier this year, but CEO Jose Muñoz said last week that it plans to export high volumes of body-on-frame models from future U.S. production facilities.The first model on Hyundai's new body-on-frame platform, a mid-size pickup truck, is set to arrive in 2029, according to Automotive News. Hyundai aims to boost global sales by 35 percent to 5.55 million vehicles in 2030, and it believes body-on-frame models are essential to that mission. And Hyundai has yet to rule out production for the Boulder SUV, leaving the door open for this 4x4 model to come to life.Hyundai"We see body-on-frame as more of a lineup, rather than a specific vehicle," Hyundai executive vice president and head of global design SangYup Lee explained to Road & Track earlier this year. "Obviously, it's a concept car, but if you look at the car, it's a very serious concept car."Unfortunately, the newly discovered patent filing did not include any renderings of the Boulder's interior. Initial renderings of the concept model included a unique center-mounted display with physical knobs and fold-out lunch tables. Whether the Boulder SUV reaches production or not, we hope that Hyundai includes such thoughtful interior features in its future body-on-frame product.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
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