Hyundai Pickup to Get “Progressive” Styling

The production version of Hyundai Motor Co.’s Santa Cruz concept pickup truck will feature distinctive styling to better differentiate it from the rest of the carmaker’s lineup.

The sleek 2015 concept (pictured) incorporated Hyundai’s signature grille and other brand-specific cues. But the company no longer feels such an approach is necessary, Sangyup Lee, who runs Hyundai’s global design center in Korea, tells MotorTrend.

He describes the design of the new pickup as “progressive” with “a lot more character.” Noting the design is locked in, Lee confirms the vehicle is targeted to launch in about 2021.

The pickup still is expected to share a unibody platform with the next-generation Tucson crossover vehicle. A Kia variant of the pickup also is being considered.

Hyundai has delayed the pickup several times following the 2015 concept. That vehicle featured a large cab with a short pickup bed. Lee joined Hyundai three years ago from Volkswagen AG’s Bentley unit.