Not many pickup trucks have removable roofs and doors, but that appears to be part of Hyundai’s plan for its future trucks. Hyundai’s only truck in the United States remains the compact Santa Cruz, but the Korean automaker plans to expand its truck lineup before the end of the decade with proper body-on-frame models.
Unlike the car-based unibody Santa Cruz, these new pickups will be more traditional trucks, and Hyundai seems intent on packing them with innovative features.
The automaker has already teased a midgate for future models, and now a newly filed patent reveals plans for a removable roof on one or more upcoming trucks. While this is a rare feature in the pickup world, both Jeep and GM have explored similar solutions.
While a sunroof lets light into a cabin, a fully removable roof fundamentally changes the outdoor driving experience. Hyundai’s patent, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, focuses on the roof panel’s sealing mechanism, addressing potential challenges such as blocking external noise and preventing moisture intrusion.
The roof is designed to be manually removable, avoiding the added weight and complexity of electronics. Presumably, the panels can be easily removed and stored when not in use.
The patent also mentions removable doors, a feature that is uncommon among pickups. The Jeep Gladiator is a notable exception, and while GMC’s Hummer EV offers removable roof panels, its doors cannot be removed.
It’s unclear which future Hyundai pickup models will feature removable doors or roofs, but the most likely candidate is the midsized, body-on-frame pickup expected to compete with the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma. This model is anticipated to arrive before 2030.
Hyundai, and the broader Hyundai Group, is not traditionally associated with the pickup segment, where buyers often prioritize perceived durability from established brands such as Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, and Toyota. To compete with these heavyweights, Korean brands need to innovate and differentiate themselves.
The Kia Tasman was one early attempt, a proper body-on-frame pickup with unconventional styling. Sales, however, have been modest, suggesting that bold design alone is not enough to break into the U.S. market.
Rather than focusing on trying to out-haul or out-tow America’s Big Three, Hyundai appears to be leaning into innovation and practicality to set its future trucks apart. Features like removable roofs and doors are one way the brand could offer fresh experiences and change how consumers interact with their trucks.
