Will Hyundai’s “real” pickup truck make it to the Philippines?

The Santa Cruz may have looked like a truck, but let’s be real, it was more crossover than pickup. Hyundai is working on a new pickup truck, this time, a proper one. While the Santa Cruz has been around in the US since 2021 as a more casual option, it’s based on the Tucson SUV and isn’t considered a full pickup by truck fans. Now, Hyundai is making something tougher, though it might not be made for the US.

In an interview with Drive, Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano shared that the company is planning a mid-size pickup, or "ute" as they call it in Australia. It’s being developed to compete with trucks like the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, and the upcoming Kia Tasman, which uses a body-on-frame platform. Romano said he’s confident that a ute is already in the pipeline, but the exact timeline depends on what kind of build they decide on. If Hyundai uses a platform similar to the Tasman, the project could move forward faster.

Details about the truck are still unclear. Romano mentioned that the power options could include diesel, hybrid, or even electric, depending on what works best for their market and emissions rules. Australia has been tightening its vehicle emissions standards, so Hyundai has to keep that in mind. Romano also said that Hyundai may work with General Motors on this project. The two companies recently formed a partnership for truck and van production, and Romano hinted that GM could be one of the possible sources for the truck’s platform.

If everything goes smoothly, Hyundai wants to start making the new pickup in Australia in the next three years. There’s no word yet on a global release, but while waiting, you can check out what’s available at AutoDeal.com.ph.