- Hyundai has officially confirmed plans for a global ute, distinct from the US-only Santa Cruz.
- Launch timing depends on platform and powertrain, with diesel and electric both under review.
- The project is backed by Hyundai Australia’s new CEO and may involve collaboration with GM.
Hyundai has officially confirmed what many ute fans have long suspected: the South Korean brand is gearing up to build a proper, global pickup truck model.
And this time, it’s more than just hints and prototypes. Don Romano, Hyundai Australia’s new CEO, has made it a personal mission to get a serious ute onto dealer forecourts - one that can take on market favourites like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and even the Kia Tasman.
While the existing Santa Cruz remains a niche lifestyle ute exclusive to North America, Romano was clear it won’t be heading Down Under or elsewhere. “It’s built in America, for America, and anything like that would be problematic right now,” he told Drive AU.
Diesel? Electric? Body-on-frame?
Romano says timing depends on what kind of ute Hyundai develops - particularly the platform. A body-on-frame chassis like the Tasman’s could accelerate the timeline, with a possible launch by the decade’s end.
However, powertrain choices may complicate things. “Do we want a diesel? We have to look at the NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard) impact,” he explained, referencing local emissions rules. “We’re in better shape than some brands with NVES, but not in great shape there. If we bring in a diesel, that will change that dynamic.”
Electrification is on the table too. Hyundai already has suitable EV platforms, and its global alliance with General Motors could unlock access to shared parts or even co-developed models.
That said, the appetite for electric utes - at least in markets like Australia and New Zealand - remains tepid, with infrastructure and range still key barriers.
Global strategy in the works
What form this new vehicle takes - a midsize ute like the Ranger or a full-size truck like an F-150 - remains up in the air. A global midsize ute would make sense for broader markets, while the US could benefit from a larger, GM-based truck.
Romano hinted that planning and production could begin within three years, adding: “We want to have a number of options, and GM is part of that.”
One thing’s for sure: Hyundai’s days of sitting on the ute sidelines are numbered. Whether diesel, hybrid or electric, a tough new truck is on its way - and for once, it’s not just talk.
