Hyundai · 1991–2004

Hyundai Galloper

The Hyundai Galloper (Korean: 갤로퍼; RR: Gaellopeo), also known as the Galloper Exceed, Galloper Innovation, Mitsubishi Galloper, Asia Galloper or Hawtai Jitian, is a full-size SUV manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai from 1991 to 2004. It is a localised version of the first-generation Mitsubishi Pajero.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Successor: Hyundai Terracan

All Hyundai Galloper data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

History

Chung Mong-koo spearheaded the localisation of the Galloper while leading the Hyundai Precision and Industry Co., Ltd. division of the Hyundai Group. Reportedly, Chung Mong-koo had been asked by Chung Ju-young, his father and the chairman of the Hyundai Group, why he was leaving Hyundai Motor, which at the time was led by his uncle (Chung Ju-young's brother Chung Se-yong), to make a four wheel-drive vehicle. Chung Mong-koo replied that Hyundai Motor was a sedan-oriented company and resistant to developing a utility vehicle; by adding to the breadth of products offered by Hyundai, Chung Mong-koo saw benefits to the Group and the Korean market as a whole. Hyundai Precision initially worked with Roush Enterprises to develop a four wheel-drive utility vehicle, but the resulting X-100 ECS ROUSH never made it to market after test audiences panned it. Hyundai Precision then selected the Mitsubishi Pajero for localization to the Korean market. Hyundai Precision razed Yeompo-dong No. 2, a container factory that was originally completed in 1989, and rebuilt it as a dedicated automobile factory. Demand for Gallopers, especially early models, has appreciated since the early 2010s, with nostalgic customers willing to spend more than ₩30 million to restore vehicles purchased for a twentieth of the price. Mohenic Garage (Korean: 모헤닉게라지스) produced restomod Gallopers as the Mohenic G, at a cost of up to ₩85 million (US$80,000), taking up to 12 months to complete; the company's founder, Henie Kim (김태성), was inspired to start the business in 2013 after being dissatisfied with new cars he could take camping: "I was looking for a car that could set me free. When I found an old Hyundai Galloper, I remembered how much I loved the car as a college student." However, because of the engine's obs

First generation (1991–1997)

A launch event was held for the Galloper at the Seoul Hyatt Hotel on September 25, 1991. Within one year, it was the best-selling SUV in Korea. In February 1992, Hyundai Precision celebrated the assembly of its 5,000th Galloper. For the complete year, Hyundai sold 24,000 Gallopers in 1992, capturing 52% of the domestic market, unseating the Ssangyong Korando as the best-selling SUV in Korea; Ssangyong would respond by releasing the Musso in 1993 using engines from Mercedes-Benz. As part of the vehicle's advertising campaign, using the slogan "Follow the Sun to the West" (해를 따라 서쪽으로), three Gallopers were driven 73,000 km (45,000 mi) from March 28, 1992, to January 9, 1993, starting in Mumbai, India and traveling through 35 countries to Cabo da Roca, Portugal. Hyundai called it the "Travels of Marco Polo" (동방견문록) route. A book was published in 2000 detailing the journey. When first released, the Galloper had round sealed-beam headlights. The vehicle launched as either Standard (5-seat, short wheelbase) or Exceed (6-seat, long wheelbase) models powered by a 2.5L naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder D4BA diesel engine with a peak output of 73 hp (54 kW) at 4200 rpm and 14.9 kg⋅m (108 lb⋅ft) at 2500 rpm, delivered through a 5-speed manual transmission; an automatic transmission was available from November, and a D4BF turbodiesel with improved power to 81 hp (60 kW) was made available in December. A G6AT 3.0L V6 gasoline engine option was added in February 1992. An intercooler was added to the turbodiesel in 1993, which was redesignated D4BH, boosting output to 101 hp (75 kW). The suspension uses a double wishbone setup and torsion bar in the front, and a live axle with asymmetric leaf springs in the rear. Brakes are ventilated discs (front) and drums (rear) with a load-sensing va

Second generation (1997–2004)

The Galloper II was released in 1997 with composite replaceable-bulb headlights; many models also received additional side cladding to emphasize the vehicle's rugged nature. Mechanically, the Galloper II was similar to the preceding generation; the updated styling made the Galloper II resemble the second-generation Pajero. By 1999, Hyundai had produced more than 300,000 Gallopers. On July 31, 1999, the plant and production line were transferred from Hyundai Precision to Hyundai Motor Company, who renamed the plant to Hyundai Motors Ulsan Factory #5. Hyundai Precision was refocused as an automotive parts supplier. The Galloper was discontinued in January 2004 after a thirteen-year production run, succeeded by the Terracan.

Galloper EV

In November 2021, Hyundai announced that the third model in their "Heritage Series" of restomod vehicles converted to a battery electric powertrain was to be based on the 1991 Galloper. As of 2025, however, the concept had not yet been revealed and is likely cancelled. It would have followed the Pony EV (April 2021) and Grandeur EV (November 2021).

Reception

In an October 1991 review, Cartech was generally positive, noting its refinement compared to contemporary SUVs on the Korean Market. Criticism was limited to the short length of the gear selector, the lack of space between the driver and their door, and the difficult access for third-row passengers. The Galloper was very successful in Europe, particularly in countries which had erected trade barriers against Japanese vehicles, such as Spain and Italy. The Galloper brand was brought back in 2026 for rebadged, Chinese-made Dongfeng Nissan products like the Paladin (Nissan Terra) and the Dongfeng Rich 6.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Hyundai Galloper
Manufacturer: Hyundai, Mitsubishi Motors
aka: Galloper Exceed, Galloper Safari, Asia Galloper (Brazil), Galloper TCI (Iceland), Mitsubishi Pajero, Mitsubishi Galloper, Hawtai Jitian (China)
Production: 1991–2004
Assembly: South Korea: Ulsan (Hyundai Precision Industry, Co. Ltd.), China: Beijing
Related: Mitsubishi Pajero
Successor: Hyundai Terracan
Class: Full-size SUV
Body style: 3/5-door SUV
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Engine: 3.0 L G6AT V6 (petrol), 2.5 L D4BH I4 (diesel)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
Wheelbase: 2350 mm SWB, 2695 mm LWB
Length: 3945 mm SWB, 4545 mm LWB STD, 4605 mm LWB XL, 4615 mm LWB TCI&GSL
Width: 69.7 in
Height: 73.2 in
sp: us