Hyundai is expanding its pickup truck ambitions with a new body-on-frame midsize model that is being developed to compete with the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. While details remain limited, the company’s upcoming Australian pickup could offer an early look at the powertrain strategy behind Hyundai’s growing truck lineup.
Hyundai Develops a New Body-on-Frame Pickup
After limited success with the Santa Cruz in the U.S. pickup market, Hyundai is continuing its push into the segment with a new body-on-frame midsize pickup.
The upcoming truck is expected to compete with established models including the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. Although Hyundai has not revealed many details, its Australian dual-cab pickup project may provide insight into the company’s direction.
PHEV and EREV Powertrains Under Consideration
According to Carsales, Hyundai’s Australian dual-cab pickup, or ute, could be offered with either a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain.
Hyundai Australia Chief Operating Officer Gavin Donaldson acknowledged the automaker would be “late to the party” but said the company intends to make a strong entry, with the choice of powertrain playing a major role.
Electrified Power Could Support Truck Capability
Hyundai’s target competitors in Australia, the Ford Ranger and BYD Shark 6, are both available with plug-in hybrid powertrains.
An electric motor could provide immediate torque to assist when towing from a standstill. However, the addition of a high-voltage battery and electric motor would increase vehicle weight, which could affect payload and towing capacity.
The same trade-offs apply to an EREV system, although in that configuration the wheels would be driven exclusively by electric motors. The report notes these compromises help explain Toyota’s cautious approach toward introducing a plug-in hybrid HiLux.
An electrified pickup could also help Hyundai meet Australia’s tightening New Vehicle Efficiency Standard.
GM and Kia Platforms Under Review
To bring the project to market, Hyundai is considering either collaborating with General Motors or using the ladder-frame platform that underpins the Kia Tasman.
According to industry sources cited in the report, General Motors is currently viewed as the leading candidate for the partnership.
Donaldson said the pickup segment remains a high priority for Hyundai, noting, “There’s no doubt the recognition of the ute market, not just inside Australia but inside the Asia Pacific corridor, is very high up on HMC’s ranking. Very high up.”
New Pickup Could Arrive in 2027
The report states that Hyundai’s new pickup could debut by late 2027 as the company focuses on expanding its presence in strategic regional truck markets.
Although the Australian model is not expected to be identical to the midsize pickup planned for the United States, it may provide additional insight into Hyundai’s broader truck strategy. Reports indicate the U.S.-bound model will take inspiration from the Boulder concept and will be built in-house in America.
