Hyundai previews new ute to battle 2026 Toyota HiLux and BYD Shark 6 with tough-looking Boulder 4WD concept

Hyundai just unveiled its striking Boulder SUV concept at the New York International Auto Show.

The concept gives a glimpse into Hyundai’s ladder frame chassis rugged off-roading future. 

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A mid-size pick-up truck in the US means it will be a similar size to Aussie favourites such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and BYD Shark 6.

It looks like the new Hyundai ute will be targeted towards the North America market, with an Australian launch unlikely in the short term. 

This will be the brand's second ute, with a different model expected to arrive in Australia before 2030. 

Hyundai Australia boss Don Romano told CarsGuide late last year the brand would have a ute ready by the end of 2028. 

"My work permit goes for another two and a half years. I'm not leaving until it's coming,” Romano said in November 2025.

“If they produce what we're talking about at this stage and what we're working on, it's gonna be mind blowing, it's gonna be great. And I really mean that, I'm not just blowing smoke.”

It is anticipated to feature a range-extender hybrid set-up. 

The Boulder concept has a boxy overall design with accentuated fenders and beefed up 37-inch mud-terrain tyres to highlight its go-anywhere potential.

The concept itself is similar to the general blueprint of the popular Ford Bronco, which is based on the Ford Ranger ute, and has been a raging sales success in the United States. 

Adding to this theme is the tailgate-mounted full-size spare wheel, along with roof racks and a roof-mounted light bar.

This latest concept comes after US patents of a pick-up truck for the North American market surfaced online. 

One of the key elements these patents revealed was thought to be detachable doors. 

It now appears that the doors are in-fact coach-style, not detachable, meaning they open away from the centre of the car. This increases the practicality and loading capacity of the car, like on the old Toyota FJ Cruiser. 

The Boulder’s interior has a minimalist yet futuristic look, with no large tablet-like screens present, but it does have a panoramic head-up display, which spans the length of the front window.