Hyundai's Building A Body-On-Frame Truck To Battle The Toyota Tacoma

That may have more to do with its looks, being more of a Hyundai Tucson crossover with a bed cut out of it, rather than its underrated capability. However, the experiment appears to have been successful enough for Hyundai to expand its truck offerings in the United States. The brand will launch a new midsize pickup truck in America before the end of the decade.

Hyundai presented its 2030 Vision and Product Road Map at its 2025 CEO Investor Day. In its presentation, Hyundai confirmed that the brand will launch a new midsize pickup truck in America before the end of the decade.

"Hyundai Motor will launch its first mid-size pickup truck before 2030 in North America, targeting one of the largest segments in the industry. Since launching the Santa Cruz in 2021, the company has gained valuable experience and brand presence, positioning it strongly to broaden its reach in the heart of the U.S. market," Hyundai wrote in a press release.

Hyundai's statement provides the date and the segment, but Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz shared more information during the company's Investor Day presentation. He confirmed that the new truck will be a body-on-frame design, matching up to established vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. But some important questions remain unanswered. Will the new truck be combustion, electric, or hybrid? Hyundai noted in its product roadmap that it planned to have EREVs on the road by 2027, but did not connect that technology to the new truck project. Is Hyundai building the pickup on its own or with a partner?

Hyundai is partnering with General Motors to produce five co-developed vehicles. Previous reporting has suggested that Hyundai wanted to use the Chevrolet Colorado platform for its midsize pickup. However, Hyundai only mentioned an electric van, which will be sold in the United States, as well as compact and midsize pickups for Central and South America, as part of the agreement in its 2030 product roadmap.

The idea works in theory. Hyundai rebadging the Colorado/Canyon would technically be the easiest way to get to a Hyundai pickup. And GM could build it for them in America. But Hyundai would likely have mentioned it in the GM partnership if that was how this was happening. Hyundai also noted a potential body-on-frame SUV variant, which GM currently doesn't build outside the full-size segment and would probably not sanction.

Could Hyundai Partner With Kia To Build Its Midsize Truck?
Hyundai and its corporate sibling, Kia, co-develop many vehicles. We know that Kia has been working on multiple midsize pickup trucks. The brand launched a new conventional, body-on-frame pickup truck, the Tasman, in foreign markets. Kia also confirmed at its 2025 CEO Investor Day that it plans to build an electric pickup truck for the United States.

We think a Hyundai version of Kia's electric midsize truck could be the more likely option for Hyundai. Kia plans to build that truck in America. And Kia has already confirmed the Tasman is not bound for America. So, it would be odd for Hyundai to use that platform here when Kia did not.