The upcoming truck is not expected to be a larger version of the Santa Cruz.

Instead, Hyundai is developing a dedicated body on frame architecture designed for vehicles that need greater durability, towing capability and off road potential.

This construction method separates the vehicle body from the structural frame underneath and is commonly used by traditional pickups including the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

The same architecture is also expected to support a rugged Hyundai SUV, creating a new family of tougher vehicles within the brand.

Hyundai could also share certain components or engineering solutions with Kia, which has already entered the pickup market with the Tasman in selected regions.

The Hyundai Boulder concept offers the clearest indication yet of the styling direction the production truck could follow.

The concept features 37 inch mud terrain tires, substantial ground clearance, wide wheel arches and short front and rear overhangs designed to improve off road capability.

Its styling also introduces the Hyundai Art of Steel design philosophy, which is expected to influence future production models.

A pickup based on this approach could combine the upright proportions of the Boulder with a traditional cargo bed and a four door crew cab layout.

Hyundai may eventually offer several versions with different visual themes, including a more aggressive model focused on off road driving.

Hyundai has not officially confirmed the production truck powertrain, but several existing engines could provide clues.

Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz has previously mentioned the possibility of using the 2.5 litre four cylinder hybrid system offered in the Palisade.

That setup produces 329 hp and 339 pound feet of torque, giving Hyundai a ready made option for buyers seeking strong performance combined with improved fuel economy.

The 3.5 litre V6 from the Palisade is another potential candidate, producing 287 hp.

A hybrid model could be particularly important for Hyundai. Toyota currently offers electrified power within the Tacoma lineup, while Hyundai has continued expanding hybrid technology across its passenger cars and SUVs.

Offering both conventional and hybrid power could help the upcoming pickup appeal to drivers who want traditional truck capability without abandoning efficiency.

The Boulder concept also introduces an unconventional interior that may influence the future pickup.

Instead of a traditional instrument cluster, important information is projected toward the lower section of the windshield. Four compact square displays are positioned across the center of the dashboard.

The production truck is unlikely to carry every experimental feature into showrooms, but Hyundai could retain the rugged visual theme and combine it with more conventional controls and technology.

That could give the new pickup a distinctive cabin compared with rivals while still offering the practicality expected from a working truck.

Hyundai has confirmed that the body on frame pickup is coming, but the company has not announced an exact launch date.

For now, Hyundai has said the new truck is expected to reach the market before 2030.

The model will enter a crowded segment dominated by vehicles including the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier.

Prices for mainstream mid size pickups in the United States currently begin around the lower 30000 dollar range, while heavily equipped performance and off road versions can move beyond 60000 dollars.

That means Hyundai will need more than competitive pricing to make an impact.

A rugged body on frame platform, distinctive Boulder inspired styling and a possible hybrid powertrain could give Hyundai the ingredients it needs to become a serious new player in the mid size truck market.

The Santa Cruz showed that Hyundai was willing to experiment with pickups. This upcoming truck looks set to take the idea much further, with the capability and construction needed to challenge the Toyota Tacoma and other established names on their own territory.