Hyundai Prepares a Truck for Every Type of Driver

The South Korean automaker is set to cover all pickup segments with a bold global strategy that will redefine its lineup.

Until recently, the Hyundai Group, which includes Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia, seemed to have it all: compact hatchbacks, premium sedans, sports cars, electric crossovers, and family SUVs. Yet, one piece was missing: a true work-oriented pickup truck. That gap is about to be filled. After the launch of the Kia Tasman in Australia– which faced limited sales– and the Hyundai Santa Cruz in North America– more lifestyle-oriented than work-focused– the company is preparing a dual global pickup offensive that promises to reshape its product strategy.

A “True” Hyundai Pickup Arrives in 2027

Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano confirmed to CarSales that the company is developing a midsize pickup, comparable in size to the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux, with a planned debut in June 2027.
Romano emphasized that the truck will be built on Hyundai’s own technology, ruling out collaborations with General Motors or a simple rebadging of the Kia Tasman. “Our main goal is to create a Hyundai ute with our own technology,” he stated, describing the upcoming model as “mind-blowing,” though no technical specifications have been revealed yet.

Two Different Pickups for Key Markets

While the future Australian pickup will target traditional markets dominated by the Hilux and Ranger, likely featuring diesel or hybrid options and off-road durability, the North American pickup will be a completely new model.

Hyundai CEO José Muñoz confirmed that this second model will be built on a standalone body-on-frame platform and could incorporate hybrid or extended-range electric (EREV) technology. Although developed independently, both trucks will share Hyundai’s engineering knowledge while remaining distinct from the GM partnership.

An Unprecedented Truck Strategy

With the Kia Tasman, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and the two pickups in development, the Hyundai Group is set to offer four distinct truck models by the end of the decade. This strategy will allow the company to cover every major pickup niche: from urban lifestyle trucks to full-strength workhorses built for extreme conditions. Hyundai is clearly positioning itself to compete with established pickup leaders, proving that its technological evolution goes beyond electrification and into expanding its reach across new vehicle segments.