Hyundai may have found a practical way to stand out in the competitive pickup truck market. A new patent filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office reveals a redesigned tailgate featuring a swing-out hinged panel and a support arm that could eliminate the need for traditional cables or hinges.
Hyundai’s Flexible New Split Tailgate
Hyundai’s patented design builds on the concept of a swing-out tailgate, but with a significant change. Rather than falling flat or opening like a conventional swing gate, the tailgate is hinged near the center, making it easier to load or retrieve smaller items.
The key new feature is a platform that folds down from inside the opened tailgate. Positioned on the same plane as the truck bed, the platform extends the available loading area for long items without requiring the entire tailgate to be opened.
Because the platform locks into position, the tailgate could potentially remain open while the truck is being driven. CarBuzz noted that Ford and Ram tailgate doors cannot do the same because they are not locked into place and can swing when the vehicle takes corners.
The support structure could also allow heavier items, including people, to be placed on the tailgate with less risk of bending or breaking under the load. However, the design’s catches and latches appear complex, while the strength needed for the tailgate could add to its cost.
What the Patent Could Mean for Hyundai’s Next Pickup
The patent images depict the new tailgate design on a Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup. However, the Santa Cruz is being discontinued after failing to achieve the sales success of the Ford Maverick.
If the patented tailgate reaches production, it could instead be reserved for a new Hyundai truck with greater ambitions. Recent reports indicate that Hyundai wants a competitor to the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, and a practical tailgate could help distinguish the brand’s first midsize pickup.
The new pickup is likely to draw design inspiration from the Boulder concept and is expected to arrive by late next year. That means it could be some time before it becomes clear whether Hyundai will implement the patented tailgate.
Whether the midsize truck will be offered in America remains to be seen. Still, the combination of rugged styling and practical features could give Hyundai’s upcoming pickup a chance to stand out.
