Exploring the Potential for a Hyundai IONIQ 5-Based Pickup Truck

Hyundai’s Electric Vehicle Expansion: Rumors of an Ioniq 5
The Pickup Truck Stir Excitement

The escalating enthusiasm for electric pickup trucks is particularly noticeable in the North American sector. From the South Korean auto industry, Kia stands out with its Tasman, confirmed to go on sale in Australia and South Korea. Initially available with a combustion engine, this model will soon see the addition of an EV variant. Furthermore, Kia is underway with the creation of a dedicated electric pickup.

Now, Hyundai’s name joins the buzzing chatter as speculation about an Ioniq pickup truck model emerges. Artist’s impressions of this potential electric utility vehicle have started generating considerable buzz online. While morphing this concept to a physical product may prove a challenge, the idea of aligning a pickup with the Ioniq family remains on the table.

Featuring a Dual-Purpose System
Maintains Original Design Integrity

Renowned automotive CGI artist Throttle House has shared a rendition of a pickup truck that takes inspiration from Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. The model retains its well-known front design, especially around the windshield, while the side profile adopts a UTE-like look. UTE—an abbreviation for “utility”—refers to the segment of pickup trucks fashioned from sedans or SUVs, which enjoy considerable popularity in Australia.

The adaptive design features a concise front cabin length without additional rear spacing. A partition supports this setup, with a storage bed in the back, as the vehicle drops the second-row doors in favor of an incorporated rear quarter panel. The unique diagonal lines, side skirts, and wheel arch cladding remain largely untouched from the original design.

A UTE-Styled Model
Challenges in Realization

Markedly, the reimagined rear adopts a more refined pickup truck aesthetic. Shifted to a vertical style, the tail lamp complements an expansively opening cargo door. Preserving the identity of the Ioniq, the pixel-type backlights prevail along with a unified horizontal taillight design. The cargo area is further accented by a sliding rear window that serves as the interface between the storage space and cab.

An elevated auxiliary brake light bolsters visibility, and design similarities such as horizontal bumper lines and a protective lower plate mirror the Ioniq’s original blueprint. Nevertheless, due to the integrated outer panel and B-pillar, certain inherent structural challenges could hinder the feasibility of such a vehicle.

Hyundai, With Trademark in Hand
Aims for Two Pickup Truck Variants

Amid these conjectures, the market is abuzz with the possibility of Hyundai’s entry into the UTE segment. This speculation stems from the brand’s December 27, 2023, trademark filings for Ioniq T7 and T10 in Australia, covering vehicles spanning cars, electric mobility, trucks, and sports utilities. Those trademarks have progressed through the application procedures.

While actual prototypes akin to Hyundai’s Ioniq T7 and T10 remain unseen, predictions suggest that the T7 could parallel the compact Santa Cruz, with the T10 possibly mirroring the mid-sized Kia Tasman. North America is considered a feasible location for their debut, though their introduction to the South Korean market remains undetermined.