The Hyundai Boulder concept, a hardcore off-road SUV concept unveiled by Hyundai back in April 2026, has been patented. The patent images floating on the internet have many differences compared to the one showcased. This concept’s production model is set to be similar in terms of design, which has been patented.
Its patent image suggests it to be a pure electric car because it has a closed-off front grille, which has now become common for EVs. Details that we get to know about the patent images are the lower skid plate on the front bumper with horizontal air intakes, slim LED headlights below the hood, roof-mounted carriers, rugged squared-off black wheel arch cladding, and A-pillar-mounted ORVMs.
In India, Hyundai is one among the carmakers who sold passenger cars in good numbers. In July 2026, they sold a total number of 54,210 units, registering a month-on-month and year-on-year growth of 36.8% and 23.3%, respectively. Currently, they are selling two hatchbacks, two sedans, and six SUVs. Of the six SUVs, not a single one is offered.
Even though in the international market, there is no off-road vehicle under the banner of Hyundai. The first-ever off-roader that is coming from the South Korean automobile manufacturer is set to be based on the Boulder concept, but the nameplate for the production model is still pending.
This off-roader sport utility vehicle may, firstly, make its global debut in any foreign country with multiple powertrains, including combustion and electric. There’s no word from Hyundai about its launch in India; we are anticipating that they will locally assemble it and sell it at competitive prices.
In India, this SUV is all set to compete with the Mahindra Thar and Mahindra Thar Roxx, which is currently available with a combustion engine, but very soon its pure-electric counterpart will arrive. This three-door and five-door off-roader from Mahindra is available for sale from October 2020 and August 2024, respectively.
The delivery for three-door and five-door versions began in November 2020 and October 2024. In the last seven months, a total of 77,810 units have been delivered by Mahindra, including the Thar. Out of the total, 13,418, 11,047, 10,872, 10,459, 10,787, 10,669, and 10,558 in January, February, March, April, May, June, and July, respectively.
Though the patented version front-end resembles the design of an electric vehicle, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be an ICE option for India. Like the international market, they may also launch both options. The combustion engine variant may launch earlier, and a pure-petrol counterpart of the same comes later.
As the upcoming Hyundai car-based Boulder concept is confirmed to be an off-roader, it is certain that the Japanese automobile manufacturer will make it available with two drivetrain options that are rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. For ICE, petrol and diesel both may be available.
Things regarding its size are still uncertain. The concept and patent design seem to have similar sizes; we are expecting it to measure more than 4.2 metres with an extended wheelbase around 2.7 metres. Seating for 5 people in a 2-3 layout is confirmed with a spacious cabin and large boot space behind the second row.
It will go on sale as a five-door SUV; there won’t be any three-door option like the Thar. In the Mahindra Thar family, the upcoming Hyundai ICE SUV will compete with the Thar ROXX, and its all-electric counterpart that will come later will take on the upcoming five-seater Thar.e ROXX, which is also referred to as the Thar ROXX Electric.