Hyundai is gearing up to revolutionize the pickup truck market with a new design that could include both a removable roof and a midgate, offering a unique blend of versatility and open-air driving. Recently uncovered patents, filed with both the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and Germany’s DPMA, provide a glimpse into the future of Hyundai’s upcoming truck model, which is expected to challenge the competition, including vehicles like the Jeep Gladiator.
The Removable Top: A Jeep-Style Innovation for Hyundai’s New Pickup?
Hyundai’s patent focuses on the mechanism for a removable top that would allow for an open-air experience, much like the Jeep Gladiator. The system includes a specialized rail and weather seals to ensure that the roof can be easily removed and securely attached while maintaining a weather-tight seal. This feature would be a first for Hyundai, suggesting a bold new direction for the brand’s pickup lineup.
While Hyundai hasn’t confirmed the final design, the inclusion of a removable top hints at a future pickup that could be used for both everyday utility and outdoor adventures, giving drivers the flexibility to switch between a closed cabin and a fully open vehicle. Hyundai even describes this feature as “allowing the passenger to feel the expanded sense of openness,” and mentions the possibility of removing the door to enhance the experience further.
Midgate Patent Adds to the Excitement
This new patent is not Hyundai’s first foray into innovative truck features. In December, the company filed another patent for a midgate—a removable bulkhead wall that would allow the rear of the cabin to open up, extending the cargo area for longer items, similar to the Chevy Avalanche. If these features are incorporated into one truck, it would create a highly customizable and versatile vehicle capable of handling various tasks.
The combination of a removable top and a midgate would be a game-changer, allowing drivers to use their pickup for a wider range of activities—from hauling large items to enjoying an open-air driving experience. However, if both features are integrated into a single model, it would likely require significant reinforcement in the rear cabin to maintain structural integrity.
Hyundai’s Ambitious Plans for the U.S. Market
Hyundai has expressed a strong desire to grow its presence in the U.S. market. The company’s target is to increase its North American sales from 834,000 vehicles in 2024 to 1.44 million by 2030. To achieve this, Hyundai plans to introduce new high-volume models, including a body-on-frame pickup designed to compete with the Toyota Tacoma. CEO Jose Muñoz confirmed that the brand is focused on capturing the pickup truck segment, and the Santa Cruz has shown that Hyundai can compete in the market.
The electric and versatile new pickup, if realized with both a removable top and midgate, could be a key factor in Hyundai’s strategy to expand its U.S. lineup and take on established players like Toyota and Ford.
