After the mid-size Palisade and the full-size Grandmaster, Hyundai will bring the SUV that will challenge Toyota Land Cruiser. So, an off-road and premium combination could make the blast on the market. The Korean company is growing, and they want to expand their lineup. We already wrote about the performance model and the new premium Genesis brand. The Hyundai Rugged SUV is the next concept we meet.
Which one of these ideas will come into production first, we still don’t know. However, the ambitions are there. Hyundai needs to expand its lineup and offer more models. Well, it is not easy to become a serious rival to Land Cruiser or other premium models in the market. The Korean company will have to prove its worth through other classes, and so far they are doing well.
Hyundai Rugged SUV Specs
The big rig will need a lot of power. A 3.8-liter V6 the new Palisade is using just can’t make enough energy (290 hp). However, there are a few other possibilities. A 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 is one of them. It can develop 365 hp and make a little push. Well, we would rather see the full-size model with a V8. In this case, the Hyundai Rugged SUV could borrow a drivetrain from Genesis G90. A 5.0-liter unit is capable to produce 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It is 40 ponies more than Land Cruiser and 20 lb-ft less. An eight-speed automatic transmission is forwarding power to rear wheels by default. All-wheel drive is optional, and it could become the exclusive setup for Rugged SUV.
Styling
The company is not so generous with information about the new model. We know it will be larger than the Palisade. Some say the Hyundai Rugged SUV will be 197 inches long, which is 2 inches more than the Land Cruiser. But, it doesn’t mean anything if the Korean designers don’t craft the best combination of materials and drive system. Palisade had shown us Hyundai is capable of making an elegant cockpit. Now, with the new model, they must show off, pack it with the most advanced features, necessary and unnecessary.
Can Hyundai Rugged SUV Challenge Land Cruiser?
This is an optimistic claim. But, it shows fans the direction of the development for the Hyundai Rugged SUV and the company’s ambitions. From what we found, we would say the Korean carmaker is capable to establish itself as the premium manufacturer. But, it is not happening overnight. The process will take time, and Toyota can be calm for a few more years.
Hyundai Rugged SUV Is Not Coming to the US?!
Among very few details about the new SUV, we can’t find precisely if the model is coming to the US. Rumors coming from Australia say that this country, and few others where Hyundai vehicles are popular, are getting the Rugged SUV. We believe the company wants to break into the USA with an upcoming model. However, having in mind what kind of competition is waiting there, it is wise not to make big announcements.
