Hyundai locks in Ford Ranger and Everest rival "before 2030"

Hyundai Motor has announced that it will launch a rugged dual-cab ute based on a ladder-frame chassis “before 2030”. It’ll also gain an advanced hybrid powertrain and eventually spin off a tough SUV, with both models aimed squarely at the likes of the Ford Ranger/Everest and the Toyota Tacoma/4Runner.

The Korean car-making giant announced plans for its mid-size ute and SUV at its annual 2025 investor day, explaining its rationale for the rugged ladder-frame family of vehicles as needing “to establish presence in the industry’s largest and most profitable segment”.

There’s been no official confirmation, but it’s thought the inbound Hyundai ute could share a lot with the current Kia Tasman. If so, the mid-size ute could have been developed for global export.

Hyundai has already announced it will team with General Motors (GM) for a smaller ute – to be sold in emerging markets like South America – that is unlikely for export on account of its expected high emissions.

Hyundai already offers a mid-size ute in the US, but the Santa Cruz has been targeted more at lifestyle buyers as its car-based monocoque platform doesn’t offer the payload or towing capacity needed for a work truck.

That, and a lack of a global mid-size ute, has meant Hyundai’s share of the light commercial market in North America, Asia Pacific, South America, the Middle East, Africa and Europe has now slipped well below the industry average, providing potential high levels of growth.

Down Under, just the Staria Load light commercial van is offered, with Hyundai the only marque in Australia’s 10 top-selling car-makers to not have a ute in its mix.

During the presentation, Hyundai’s CEO, Jose Munoz, went on to announce that Hyundai’s N line-up would continue to expand to seven models by 2030, including the inbound IONIQ 6 N, with plans to boost sales of high-performance Hyundais to more than 100,000 vehicles annually.

The Korean car-maker’s boss also said that by 2030 its hybrid offerings would expand to 18 models, although he did not differentiate between plug-in and regular hybrids.

When it comes to EVs, Hyundai said that it would launch its first range-extender hybrid in 2027 that will combine its next-generation “high-performance” batteries with a range of more than 966km.

Thanks to the new power pack, the unnamed range-extender vehicle will be able to develop full power even with less than half a charge left in the cells.

The next-gen batteries will also be 30 per cent cheaper, boast 15 per cent higher density and be 15 per cent quicker to charge, compared to today.

Other EV developments include rolling out a cloud-based battery management system that collects data from electric vehicles to provide a more precise and accurate model on how owners use their electric Hyundais.

Finally, Hyundai says it will continue to invest in hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains but for commercial vehicles that will deliver “high efficiency” and the “durability” needed for large trucks.

With a much-needed mid-size ute in the mix, Australia’s sixth best-selling brand in 2024 should easily be capable of overcoming Mitsubishi, while matching its sister brand Kia for volume to become the country’s fourth most popular car-maker.

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