The Hyundai Boulder Rocked the New York Auto Show

Hyundai is coming for the kings.The South Korean automaker unveiled an all-American midsize truck at the New York International Auto Show, declaring its intention to enter the highly competitive segment for the first time.The Boulder Concept is an off-road SUV similar to the popular Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. It previews an American-designed model line that Hyundai will start building at an American factory by the end of the decade using its own American-made steel.Unlike the brand’s Santa Cruz compact pickup, which is built on a car-like crossover platform, the Boulder features a sturdier body-on-frame construction.“Body-on-frame trucks matter in America,” Hyundai Motor North America president and CEO Randy Parker said at the show. “They’re the backbone of small businesses, weekend adventurers and everyday families. We know this is a highly competitive space, and we are not taking this lightly.”The high-riding four-door features boxy styling with a utilitarian slotted grille, oversized tires and blunt ends that are optimized for scurrying over rocks. Hyundai didn’t confirm what will power it, but the design suggests that a gas or hybrid drivetrain is more likely than an all-electric one.The auto show also hosted the debuts of several more SUVs with each of those powertrains that will also be American-made.SUBARU GETAWAYSubaru collaborated with Toyota on the Getaway, which is an electric three-row SUV. SubaruSubaru has been collaborating with Toyota on a lineup of electric SUVs, each selling its own version. The latest is Subaru’s take on the new all-electric Toyota Highlander that is scheduled to enter production in Kentucky in late 2026.The Getaway has unique front-end styling to differentiate it from the Highlander and a 420-horsepower all-wheel-drive system that can accelerate it to 60 mph in under five seconds, but its name isn’t a reference to Hollywood-style chases. It is meant to evoke family outings facilitated by its three rows of seating.Six-passenger and seven-passenger versions will be offered, and the Getaway is rated to tow campers and trailers that weigh up to 3,500 pounds. Pricing will be confirmed closer to when sales begin late this year, but it and the Highlander match up against electric models like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, which start in the mid-$50,000 range.SUBARU FORESTER WILDERNESS HYBRIDThe Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid combines off-road capability with fuel efficiency. SubaruThe Subaru Forester compact SUV is the brand’s best-selling model, and its manufacture now takes place in Indiana, where it was moved to from Japan last year. Subaru added production of a hybrid Forester this year and is now combining that powertrain with the most off-road capable model.The Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses a 194-horsepower all-wheel-drive powertrain, is equipped with all-terrain tires and has had its ground clearance increased by half an inch to 9.3 inches, which rivals many full-size trucks. Water-resistant synthetic upholstery, all-weather floor mats and a roof rack capable of supporting a tent with four people inside are included. It should list for approximately $40,000 when shipments start in a few months. The standard Forester has a 35 mpg fuel economy rating, but the high-traction tires and increased aerodynamic drag created by the extra ride height will likely lower that number when the Wilderness’ official figure is determined.VOLKSWAGEN ATLASThe Volkswagen Atlas is Volkswagen’s largest SUV. VolkswagenThe Atlas has an all-new interior designed around touch controls. VolkswagenAnother view of the Volkswagen Atlas. VolkswagenWhen Volkswagen returned to American vehicle manufacturing in 2011 with a new factory in Chattanooga, Tenn., it did so with a sedan, just as SUVs started to take over the marketplace. After several years of disappointing sales, Volkswagen pivoted production to the large three-row Atlas SUV, which launched in 2018 and has been one of its top-selling models ever since.Volkswagen has now given the Atlas its first major makeover. It has a refreshed exterior that features a smoother body and full-width front lighting elements, which give it a more contemporary look. The interior is all new and centered around a touchscreen and touch-sensitive pads that are the primary interfaces for most controls. However, a large knob on the center console controls the volume and an Atmospheres feature, which syncs the interior ambient lighting to the audio system to create a nightclub effect in the cabin.Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models will be available, both paired with a 282-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Volkswagen promises that a hybrid option will be added during the Atlas’ mid-cycle update, but that probably will not happen for three or four years.

The Hyundai Boulder Rocked the New York Auto Show

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