Hyundai Motor Company could be preparing to launch a new off-road SUV as hinted by a document published at the Indian Patent Office’s website, according to MotorTrend. The patent is accompanied by a single image, which features a rugged-looking SUV that shares similarities to the Boulder Concept that Hyundai revealed at the 2026 New York International Auto Show.
The image that appeared in the patent has the same silhouette and body shape as the Boulder Concept. However, the patent drawings show key updates that are believed to make it more practical and more production-spec-friendly.
The mystery off-road SUV comes with a different front grille design, as it features a mostly closed panel. Meanwhile, the headlights have also been updated to a smaller square or cube-like shape, and it is stacked with vertical LED lighting, which could be the daytime running lights. The front bumper on the patent design is also different from the Boulder Concept.
Along the sides, the patent drawing shows similar features, but a closer look will allow you to see minor design changes. The patent image has a different set of side mirrors, which now come with a more conventional look. Noticeably, the patent’s side mirrors don’t come with integrated auxiliary lights. Another difference is that the patent image comes equipped with a roof rack. But overall, the patent image shows that the vehicle retains its wide, squared-off wheel arches and large off-road tires.
With that, one can assume that the image on the Indian patent could be the production version of the Hyundai Boulder Concept. The patent image closely resembles the concept version, and it comes with minor design updates, which could be meant to make the Boulder Concept more production-spec-friendly.
However, Hyundai’s US office is quick to downplay the speculation and released a statement stating that the “alleged India patent filing is not related to any North American concept or production vehicles.” On the other hand, Hyundai’s India headquarters remain mum on the true status of the patent document and have only reiterated that it remains committed to introducing 26 new products, including upgrades in India by 2030.
As such, the patent that Hyundai filed at the Indian Patent Office remains a mystery as of this writing.
Autocar’s Take
Hyundai has filed a patent featuring a mystery off-road SUV that resembles the Boulder Concept, revealed at the 2026 2026 New York International Auto Show. The overall shape, silhouette, boxy shape, and commanding stance are all a reminder of the Hyundai Boulder Concept. But Hyundai has simmered down the speculation by releasing a statement that the said patent image has nothing to do with any upcoming production vehicle. As such, the image shown in the patent remains a mystery, and it could mean that Hyundai might have something planned. But the resemblance between the mystery SUV in the patent image and the Boulder Concept is uncanny.
