A Hyundai Midsize Truck In 2030? The Midsize Pickup Segment Heats Up With Tacoma Rival

The Korean automaker wants a piece of the pie, and it’s not afraid to bring the big guns. The Hyundai midsize Truck promises a lot. 

The midsize pickup truck market is heating up, and Hyundai wants in. The Korean automaker confirmed it is developing a body-on-frame pickup designed specifically for North America, with plans to launch before the end of this decade. 

Hyundai wants to prove to everyone that it can do a rugged vehicle to compete with the best. This new midsize truck won’t be a run-of-the-mill monocoque. 

A True Truck, Not Another Santa Cruz

Hyundai already sells the Santa Cruz, but that compact unibody pickup is more crossover than workhorse. The new Hyundai midsize truck will be different. CEO José Muñoz told Road & Track the vehicle is being engineered from the ground up, not co-developed with GM as some speculated. 

Here’s more on what Hyundai wants to do. That means a proper midsize truck with a ladder frame—the same formula that has made rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger so popular. 

It’s a big step for Hyundai, which has long been absent from the mainstream U.S. truck wars. 

Why Midsize Matters

The timing makes sense. Midsize pickups are among the fastest-growing and most competitive segments in the U.S. market. 

According to Pickup Truck + SUV Talk, Toyota’s Tacoma posted massive sales gains in Q2 2025, helping it retain its crown as the best-selling midsize truck. Ford’s Ranger is also fresh off a redesign, while GM’s Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon continue to attract loyal buyers.

However, Ford might lose some ground given the latest quality issues, even if it ranks quite highly in magazines such as Car and Driver. You can read more about the rankings here. 

The 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor and standard Ranger sit at the top, followed closely by the Tacoma, Colorado, and Canyon. Even niche entries like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline continue to carve out space.

For automakers, midsize pickups are critical. They combine lower prices than full-size trucks with strong margins, and they appeal to younger buyers who want capability without committing to a massive F-150 or Silverado.

Hyundai’s Playbook

Hyundai hasn’t revealed specs, but Motor1 reports the Hyundai midsize truck will be body-on-frame and positioned squarely against midsize leaders. Expect a range of gasoline and hybrid options, with electrification a likely future step given Hyundai’s aggressive EV plans.

By building its own platform, Hyundai avoids the compromises of badge-engineering. The move also signals confidence: investing in a standalone truck program for the U.S. is a major commitment, especially for a brand with little pickup history here.

The biggest challenge is to prove that this Hyundai midsize truck is better than other products when they were new. We’re talking about the Santa Fe, as we explained here. This SUV, although popular, had serious issues, including concerning ones with the transmission. 

Competition Will Only Get Tougher

Hyundai isn’t the only brand eyeing midsize growth. Rumors persist of new entries from other manufacturers, and existing players are doubling down.

Toyota recently refreshed the Tacoma with a hybrid option, GM continues to push off-road-ready trims like the Colorado ZR2 Bison, and Ford has the Ranger Raptor for enthusiasts who want Baja-inspired performance.

The challenge will be differentiation. Hyundai will need to prove its truck can deliver on durability, towing, and off-road capability—the areas where midsize buyers are most demanding. Styling and tech may help attract buyers, but credibility in the truck world takes years to earn.

A Risk, But a Necessary One

Hyundai has a reputation for value, innovation, and bold design. Translating that into a pickup truck will be tricky, but not impossible. If the company succeeds, it could open the door for sibling brand Kia to follow suit.

For now, the company is keeping details close to the chest with its Hyundai midsize truck. But one thing is clear: the midsize truck market is no longer just an arena for the traditional Detroit Three and Toyota. 

With Ford growing, GM leading, Ram rebounding, and Tacoma wowing the sales charts, Hyundai’s decision shows how critical this segment has become for any automaker looking to grow in America.