Hyundai is entering the midsize pickup segment with a purpose-built truck after years of speculation and the success of the Santa Cruz. This new model is intended to compete with trucks like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, and thus considered an evolution for Hyundai to boldly step into the truck market.
From Santa Cruz to Real Truck
The Santa Cruz is a truck that offers all of the comfort of an SUV while providing utility for a work truck. Therefore, those who own or buy a Santa Cruz will benefit urban drivers looking for versatility. And, while it certainly has pickup truck across the back, the Santa Cruz is basically a unibody model with all of the limitations of that vehicle, including off-road capabilities and weight or payload capacity. As such, the company can see some people want a pickup truck to perform more functions, and is aiming to build even better truck that has capability and longer human-like driving persona for full sized or smaller payloads which truck owners have grown to expect.
Possible Collaboration With General Motors
Hyundai is reportedly talking to General Motors to jointly review and develop a bigger version of the Santa Cruz truck. General Motors, who currently owns their own midsize trucks (Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon) may help Hyundai lend this experience to a new midsize pickup to help the Korean automaker assess viable development costs and timeline to getting to market.
Targeting Global Markets
The initial plans are to target markets where demand is strong for robust pickups, such as Australia, but Hyundai's new truck is expected to arrive in North America too. It will probably have a body-on-frame construction style, providing greater tow ratings and improved off-road capabilities, which aligns well with the preferences of truck customers in these markets.
Expected Features and Capabilities
While specific details are limited, the new truck is expected to have:
Options for highly capable engines (potentially diesel)
Advanced four-wheel-drive systems
Significant towing and payload capabilities
Updated infotainment and safety technologies
High-quality materials suitable for a work and recreational environment
The above will provide Hyundai's new truck with capability for everyday functionality and challenging function.
Hyundai's Promise to Innovation
This displays Hyundai's commitment to expanding its vehicle lineup and satisfying a differentiated customer set, and a willingness to innovate through a midsize pickup market with a purpose-built truck.
Conclusion
Hyundai's next pickup truck marks an important step in the company's development as it begins transitioning from crossover-based vehicles to a true rugged vehicle. With potential support from GM and a focus on performance and durability, this new truck will be one to watch in the competitive midsize pickup truck segment.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops
