Hyundai Santa Cruz pick-up made its debut in the US in 2021 and has since become a solid alternative to the Ford Maverick. However, this is not a true pick-up truck – it’s a Tucson with a bed. But now, Hyundai has confirmed the production of a truly capable pick-up truck. CEO of Hyundai Australia, Don Romano, confirmed to Drive that his company is working on a new mid-size ute – a pick-up truck. This vehicle will compete with body-on-frame alternatives in the region, such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, and its cousin, the Kia Tasman.
“I am certain that a ute will be in the lineup,” Romano said in the interview. “But I’m not sure about the timing. The timing will depend on the type of ute we develop. If we use a body-on-frame platform like the Tasman, it could happen soon.” The details are still unclear, according to Romano himself, and it is unclear what will power the pick-up truck. He floated diesel, hybrid, and even fully electric options as possibilities.
Given Australia’s increasingly stringent emission regulations, sharing a platform with the Tasman seems unlikely. However, Hyundai may seek assistance from General Motors; the two companies recently signed an agreement for joint production of trucks and vans. “We will see what’s available from GM,” Romano told Drive. “My goal is to continue to look forward, and we have a strategic alliance with GM, not just on electric vehicles. We want to have a range of options, and GM is part of that.”
Hyundai hopes to produce its new pick-up truck in Australia within the next three years. As for the Santa Cruz, don’t expect any major changes to this compact pick-up truck for the US. This pint-sized truck has just received a refresh.
