Hyundai has confirmed plans for a uniquely developed ute for Australia — not a simple rebadge. According to CarExpert, the upcoming model may feature hybrid or electric technology as the brand targets rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
Hyundai’s First Australian Ute Won’t Be a Rebadge
According to CarExpert, Hyundai’s long-awaited Australian ute will not be a “badge-engineering” project. Instead, the company is determined to develop a model that truly suits Australian buyers and sets itself apart in the competitive ute market.
Speaking at the local launch of the new Palisade, Hyundai Motor Company Australia president and CEO Don Romano made it clear that he’s in no rush to release just any ute.
“I’m not leaving until I have a ute, and not just any ute,” Romano told Australian media. “We could easily take another platform and rebadge it, but that’s just not acceptable.”
A Unique Approach to a Crowded Ute Market
With the ute market heating up — from the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux to newcomers like BYD Shark 6 and MG’s new ute — Hyundai is focusing on innovation and differentiation, Romano told CarExpert.
“There are technologies we’re currently developing that are different than anything we’ve brought to market,” he said. “We’ll use them to ensure our ute is different from what China is currently producing.”
These comments hint that Hyundai’s first Australian ute could debut with hybrid or electric technology designed to give it an edge.
Could Hyundai’s Ute Be a Hybrid or EREV?
Romano didn’t share specific details but teased the possibility of a new hybrid concept, possibly an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).
“It’s not necessarily a plug-in hybrid, but it is going to be a different type of hybrid,” Romano explained to CarExpert.
An EREV drives like a battery-electric vehicle but uses a small petrol engine to charge the battery rather than power the wheels. This could deliver EV-like performance and range without the anxiety of running out of charge — a smart move for a work-ready Australian ute.
Hyundai and GM Partnership: Collaboration Without Compromise
Hyundai recently revealed a partnership with General Motors to co-develop vehicles for select markets. However, Romano cautioned against expecting a simple rebadged Chevrolet Colorado in Hyundai showrooms.
“We are in a relationship with GM, and we’re looking at that relationship. But it isn’t a done deal yet. We may go on our own… it would have to be different than what they came to market with,” he said.
This statement confirms Hyundai’s commitment to creating a genuinely new platform — not a reworked version of an existing GM product.
Hyundai’s Ute Timeline: Coming Late This Decade
While Romano had previously hinted that Hyundai’s ute plans would be locked in by the end of this year, CarExpert reports that slower ute sales globally may push the timeline slightly.
Still, Hyundai aims to bring the ute to Australia by 2029, aligning with its upcoming North American Ranger rival due by 2030.
“My work permit goes for another two and a half years. I’m not leaving until it’s coming,” Romano said. “If they produce what they’re talking about, it’s going to be mind-blowing.”
Hyundai’s Future Utes: From Santa Cruz to Ioniq T10
Hyundai already sells the Santa Cruz in North America, but the upcoming Australian ute will be larger, tougher, and more capable.
Trademark filings uncovered by CarExpert — including the names Ioniq T7 and Ioniq T10 — suggest Hyundai may introduce electric utes under its Ioniq sub-brand.
Meanwhile, the company’s Ranger-rival project for Latin America is one of the first products to emerge from its partnership with GM, signaling a new era of Hyundai-developed utility vehicles.
