Hyundai’s first foray into the midsize pickup space will ride on an all-new body-on-frame platform.
Wait, doesn’t Hyundai already make a truck? Yes—the unibody Santa Cruz—but that model is likely to be dropped next year to make room for something bigger and far more rugged. The still unnamed pickup will be the first to ride on Hyundai’s upcoming body-on-frame architecture introduced with the Hyundai Boulder concept from this year’s New York auto show. When the pickup arrives by 2030 , it’ll challenge segment stalwarts like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevy Colorado for midsize truck dominance.
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A brand-new platform from any automaker is always intriguing, but even more so from one that has never done a body-on-frame pickup for our market before. (The Kia Tasman body-on-frame midsize pickup entered production in 2025 for Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. This new truck will likely leverage some of that technology rather than creating everything from the ground up.) It’ll be fascinating to see Hyundai’s North American interpretation of this popular segment, and even more so to hear how fans and buyers respond—pickup truck owners and off-roading enthusiasts tend to be a very stubborn and loyal bunch.
We wouldn't bet against the truck’s success, though, if only because Hyundai’s recent endeavors into new territory such as EVs and performance vehicles have been so successful. It’s clear the automaker is prepared to put the resources behind whatever it sets its mind to. Plus, Hyundai has committed to a full line of body-on-frame vehicles beyond the truck, including the expansion of the XRT off-road subbrand. There’s no way the company will let all of that fail.
Should the Boulder concept point the way stylistically, we really dig the pixelated front light signature—a retro-futuristic element that would definitely stand out in the segment. We also hope the external-reservoir shocks, modular roof system, and longitudinal hood vents carry through to production .
To be fully competitive , the truck will need a true four-wheel-drive transfer case, not just an all-wheel-drive setup, and our rendering shows what would be the truck’s most rugged version. More mainstream variants might lose the tow hooks, sit lower to the ground, and almost certainly have smaller wheels and tires.
Platform and Powertrain
The platform part of this puzzle is easy. What’s not as obvious is what’ll power the truck when it arrives. A turbocharged four-cylinder could serve as the entry point, with a higher-performing hybrid version offering better towing and off-roading capabilities. Or Hyundai may forgo four-cylinders altogether and start with a naturally aspirated V-6 at the bottom of the ladder, then strap twin-turbos to the V-6 for uplevel, performance, or off-road versions. It’s unlikely the truck will offer an EV powertrain; any electrification will come in the form of a hybrid setup.
Estimated Price $35,000
Expected On-Sale Date 2030
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I got into cars the way most people do: my dad. Since I was little, it was always something we’d talk about and I think he was stoked to have his kid share his interest. He’d buy me the books, magazines, calendars, and diecast models—everything he could do to encourage a young enthusiast.
Eventually, I went to school and got to the point where people start asking you what you want to do with your life. Seeing as cars are what I love and writing is what I enjoy doing, combining the two was the logical next step. This dream job is the only one I’ve ever wanted.
Since then, I’ve worked at Road & Track, Jalopnik, Business Insider, The Drive, and now MotorTrend, and made appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage, Good Morning America, The Smoking Tire Podcast, Fusion’s Car vs. America, the Ask a Clean Person podcast, and MotorTrend’s Shift Talkers.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and watching the Fast & Furious movies on repeat. Tokyo Drift is the best one.