Hyundai confirms its first Australian pickup built from scratch to take on Hilux and Ranger

Hyundai has confirmed it is developing its first pickup—a project poised to become a breakthrough for the brand in Australia. According to Hyundai Australia head Don Romano, the model will be built from the ground up with no borrowing from the Kia Tasman or General Motors.

Romano said he had no intention of stepping away until Hyundai has a pickup in its lineup.

His contract runs for another two and a half years, and within that window the company plans to unveil the production model. He emphasized that Hyundai will not resort to badge engineering, but will create its own platform and technologies to challenge the segment leaders—Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

Romano also promised the newcomer would be genuinely striking and would introduce innovations the segment has yet to see. The company intends to draw on advanced solutions being developed for future SUVs and electric vehicles.

Despite the late start, Hyundai aims to make up ground quickly. Romano acknowledged the timing but expressed confidence the brand would enter the fray stronger than anyone. The upcoming pickup is being positioned as a marker of Hyundai’s next chapter—ambitious, tech-focused, and tuned to Australian expectations.

Hyundai is ready to step onto Toyota and Ford’s turf, where the bar is set high and only compelling products gain traction. If Romano’s plans translate into the final truck, this could become one of the most talked-about debuts in the utility space this decade.