Hyundai’s Upcoming Pickup Truck Promises Big Things

Hyundai’s Pickup Truck Lineup
New Vehicle Based on Creta Coming Soon
Expected to Launch as Early as 2026

The Santa Cruz is Hyundai’s only pickup truck model. Based on the Tucson, it’s primarily sold in the North American market and is expected to undergo a facelift soon. However, there is news that Hyundai plans to introduce a smaller pickup truck to their lineup, smaller than the Santa Cruz.

Foreign media outlet CarBuzz reported on the 26th that “Hyundai will release a small pickup truck based on its compact SUV Creta.” The news, which came via an anonymous internal source at Hyundai, has become a hot topic as the company is already known to have started development.

Smaller Than Kona
Concept Car Already Exists

First, let’s briefly look at the Hyundai Creta model. The Creta is a compact SUV sold in India, Southeast Asia, and South America markets. With a length of 170.5 inches, width of 70.5 inches, height of 64.4 inches, and wheelbase of 102.6 inches, it falls between the Kona and Venue in size. In January last year, a second facelift model was launched in India.

The idea of a pickup truck based on a compact SUV might take much work to grasp. However, Hyundai has previously suggested making a pickup truck based on the Creta. The Creta Sports Truck Concept (STC) was the main attraction at Brazil’s 2016 São Paulo Motor Show. The new vehicle currently being developed is based on the second-generation Creta and will likely be launched between 2026 and 2027.

Retains SUV Interior
Only Pure Internal Combustion Engines

The Creta pickup truck will likely have a monocoque body structure and a single-cab layout that replaces the space from the second row with cargo space. The powertrain is expected to include the same 1.5L gasoline and diesel engines as the current SUV version. For the Creta 1.5L gasoline model, the naturally aspirated version delivers a maximum output of 115 horsepower and a maximum torque of 14.7 kgf.m, while the turbocharged version delivers 160 horsepower and 25.8 kgf.m, respectively. The diesel model performs 116 horsepower and 25.5 kgf.m.

Depending on the model, the new pickup truck will have various transmission options, including 6-speed manual and automatic, 7-speed DCT, and IVT. Unlike the SUV, which is getting an electrified lineup later this year, the pickup truck is expected to have only an internal combustion engine. Its interior is expected to feature the same design as the latest SUV models, with smart cruise control and a 360-degree view. Additionally, a touch-type air conditioning system is likely to be included.

Domestic Release Unlikely
Electric Pickup Truck Also Coming

Hyundai plans to launch a new vehicle in several markets, including Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and India. The new car is expected to have a loading capacity similar to that of a light commercial vehicle in Korea, making it suitable for small freight transport demand. Moreover, Hyundai is also developing a range of electric pickup trucks based on a dedicated platform.

Last December, a foreign media outlet, Car Expert, reported that Hyundai had applied for trademarks for IONIQ (Ionic) T7 and T10. The trademark classification mentions “cars and electric cars, trucks, sports utility.” Industry experts speculate that the Ioniq T7 will resemble Santa Cruz, while the T10 will be similar to the Kia Tasman, which will be released at the end of the year.