Hyundai appears to be planning a new body-on-frame SUV that would compete with the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. A patent image, according to Carscoops, may reveal the design of the production version of the Boulder concept... reports infohub.kz.
The Boulder concept itself was unveiled at the New York auto show. At the time, Hyundai positioned it as a demonstration of its future body-on-frame architecture. The company has officially confirmed that this platform will underpin a mid-size pickup for the U.S. market.
Based on the patent images, the future SUV retains the concept's boxy body, massive wheel arches, a short rear end, and a spare tire mounted on the tailgate. The styling is clearly aimed at taking on the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
The key here is the construction. Hyundai has already confirmed the development of its own fully body-on-frame architecture for future models. However, the production Boulder has not been officially announced, so the appearance of an SUV remains speculative.
For off-road capability, the concept is credited with all-wheel drive, front and rear differential locks, a low-range gear, and a zero-turn system. Powertrain options are also unconfirmed. Trade media speculate on hybrid and electric versions, and for some markets, a diesel.
Thus, Hyundai is indeed entering the body-on-frame segment, but the first confirmed project is the pickup. The production SUV based on the Boulder is only visible in the patent for now.
Earlier, Kursiv Avto reported that Hyundai showed an off-road version of the new Tucson XRT.