New Hyundai Boulder Off-Road SUV DesignHyundaiSomething is afoot with Hyundai's Boulder off-road SUV. An initial concept design debuted in April of 2026, and now, an uncovered patent appears to show changes to the improbable Hyundai that could rival the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and other trail-ready machinery.In a recent publication from the Indian Patent Office, shown below, design registration number 502534-001 is officially attributed to Hyundai Motor Company. It shows a single image of a rugged SUV with clear similarities to the Boulder concept that's already been seen—but raises more questions than answers. We've used AI to optimize the grainy screenshot taken from the patent filing.Indian Patent OfficeThe boxy shape, upright grille, and massive fender flares are obvious links between the two. Both appear to have split-opening coach doors, which could also be a feature on the upcoming Genesis GV90 flagship luxury SUV based on the Neolun concept. Huge knobby tires and nearly flat glass advance the off-road aesthetic, but zooming in reveals distinct differences between these Boulders.AdvertisementAdvertisementAlthough the original Boulder has an egg carton-like grille, the one seen in the patent image has a nearly enclosed grille with wide, thin slats. Lower down on the bumper, the original has horizontal bars and the update has a perforated panel. Both have quad headlights, but the newer version's are much smaller and appear to be flanked by vertical running lights. Rather than rounded wheel arches, the newer Boulder's are angular.Hyundai - MotorTrendA design update like this might indicate a version that's closer to production, but certain details give us doubts; this could also be a second iteration on the concept. Climbing into an SUV this tall could be tricky, and the updated design lacks the tubular steps from the study revealed at the 2026 New York Auto Show. Its wheel and tire package looks enormous for a production vehicle. A roof rack as big as this seems unlikely for stock factory equipment. Likewise, the limb riser cables and auxiliary lights probably wouldn't be standard, more like an aftermarket add-on.One especially unusual difference is the rear edge of the roof. On the Boulder concept, the body ends at a right angle, but in the patent image that area appears to slope slightly. Nearby, the C-pillar and rear window have a new shape.What's going on with this updated Boulder is unclear. We've reached out to Hyundai for comment, but so far the automaker is silent as a rock. In any case, it could indicate that the Korean automaker is refining the body-on-frame brute it's creating to cement itself as a contender in the off-road SUV space. Time will tell if the future midsize pickup truck built on the same platform receives similar changes.Photo credit: Hyundai - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Hyundai - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Hyundai - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Hyundai - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Hyundai - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Hyundai - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisement