The Hyundai Boulder Concept has been revealed at the 2026 New York motor show, previewing the rugged, boxy design direction of the brand’s first proper Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux rival – a model on Hyundai Australia’s wish list for 2028.
Hyundai has confirmed it will introduce a new pickup in the United States by 2030, underpinned by a ladder-frame chassis like those used by the Ranger, HiLux and key rivals, after previously offering the car-based Santa Cruz.
“Developing a robust midsize pickup is a significant growth opportunity for Hyundai in the United States,” said Hyundai Motor North America president and CEO Randy Parker in a statement.
“Body-on-frame trucks play a central role in this market, and we see a clear opportunity to bring customers a new alternative that reflects how they work, explore, and live.
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“The Boulder Concept SUV signals our approach to this segment and how we are thoughtfully developing our midsize pickup with the needs and expectations of US customers at the core.”
The show car rides on the upcoming ute’s underpinnings, topped with muscular ‘Art of Steel’ styling including pronounced wheel arches, 37-inch all-terrain tyres, a bluff front end and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
Inside, the sand-coloured cabin features configurable seating and a rounded dashboard, a head-up display along with a raft of physical buttons and off-road-focused details such as rugged grab handles, four small central displays, and large storage areas.
Hyundai hasn’t detailed a powertrain for the show car, which it’s officially calling a “design study”.
The brand’s upcoming ute is among 36 new models planned for US showrooms by 2030, but the new ute is expected to spawn an SUV, à la the Ford Ranger and its Everest sibling.
Vehicles on the ute’s new body-on-frame underpinnings will be designed and built in the US, using Hyundai-produced US steel.
Hyundai Australia told CarExpert earlier this year it’s targeting a ute for local showrooms around 2028.
“Strategically, it’s still a work in progress. It’s leaning towards a couple of years from now … and it’s still [being developed] in collaboration with the US,” Hyundai Australia chief operating officer Gavin Donaldson said.
Hyundai is currently the only top-ten brand in Australia to not offer a dual-cab ute in its lineup, with MG, which placed 10th in sales overall in 2025, recently introducing the U9.
The best-selling vehicle in Australia in 2025 was the Ford Ranger, with the Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max also among the top 10 most popular models.