Hyundai has filed a patent that shows the Korean automaker exploring open-air pickup truck designs similar to what Jeep offers with its popular Gladiator model. The patent documents, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and discovered by CarBuzz, reveal detailed plans for a truck featuring both a removable roof and removable doors.
The filing appears under both Hyundai and Kia brands, suggesting the Korean automotive group is seriously considering entering the convertible truck market. While patents don't always translate into production vehicles, this one arrives alongside mounting evidence that Hyundai is preparing to compete more aggressively in the off-road and adventure vehicle segments.
Understanding the Open-Air Appeal
Jeep has long dominated the removable top market with vehicles like the Wrangler and Gladiator. These models allow drivers to remove not just the roof panels but also the doors, creating an unmatched open-air driving experience. That capability has become a major selling point, setting Jeeps apart from nearly every other vehicle on the road.
Ford entered this space with the Bronco, offering similar features. Beyond that, options remain limited. The Hummer EV and Mercedes G-Class Cabrio allow for open roof experiences, but neither matches the full door-removal freedom that Jeep provides.
Hyundai apparently recognizes the appeal of this design philosophy. The patent documents outline a system specifically engineered to deliver what the filing describes as "allowing the passenger to feel the expanded sense of openness."
Technical Details of the Design
The patent centers on a roof side rail assembly designed to support a removable center panel. Looking through the technical documentation, it becomes clear that Hyundai invested significant effort into solving one of the biggest challenges with removable roof systems: preventing leaks.
The design incorporates multiple seals and weatherproofing strips. Rather than relying on a single barrier against water intrusion, the system creates several defensive layers. According to Hyundai's claims in the patent, this approach also delivers improved sound deadening, addressing another common complaint with convertible and removable-top vehicles.
Despite the sophisticated sealing system, installation and removal would remain straightforward. The patent describes a manual process, free from electronic mechanisms. This approach mirrors what Jeep offers, where owners can remove roof panels and doors without special tools or complicated procedures.
The truck illustrated in the patent documents differs noticeably from Hyundai's current Santa Cruz pickup. That compact unibody truck has gentler, more rounded styling. The patented design shows a boxier, more rugged appearance that would align better with traditional body-on-frame trucks and serious off-road vehicles.
Broader Context for Hyundai's Off-Road Push
This patent doesn't exist in isolation. Multiple signs point toward Hyundai preparing a serious entry into the off-road and adventure vehicle market.
Last December, Hyundai CEO Jose Muñoz publicly outlined ambitious plans for the brand's future product lineup. His comments specifically mentioned targeting the off-road market with new vehicles. Among the projects he discussed was an SUV designed to compete with Toyota's 4Runner, plus a rugged body-on-frame truck.
The automaker has also showcased concepts that demonstrate this strategic direction. The Crater concept, for example, displayed clear off-road intentions with its aggressive styling, roof-mounted lights, and rugged tire package.
Even Hyundai's luxury division has explored this territory. Genesis, the premium brand under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella, developed sketches for an all-electric pickup design called "The Pickup." Though reportedly dropped due to resource limitations, its existence shows how seriously the company has been considering truck projects across multiple brands.
The Kia Connection
The fact that this patent also carries Kia's name adds another dimension to the story. Kia, Hyundai's sister brand, recently launched the Tasman truck. While the Tasman's design bears little resemblance to the vehicle shown in the patent documents, the filing suggests Kia might be considering a removable roof option for future models.
A convertible roof would certainly make the Tasman more competitive against established players like the Toyota Tacoma. Currently, the Tasman offers conventional truck capability, but adding open-air features could help it stand out in an increasingly crowded midsize truck market.
Kia has also revealed concepts like the Weekendr that demonstrate interest in the outdoor adventure segment. These concepts suggest both Korean brands are working to expand their presence in markets that have traditionally belonged to American and Japanese automakers.
Comparing to the Competition
Jeep's approach to removable tops and doors has evolved over decades of production. The Wrangler established the template, and the Gladiator extended it into the pickup truck segment. Jeep recently updated its door hinge design to make removal even simpler, showing the company continues refining the experience.
The Gladiator's success has proven that a significant market exists for open-air pickup trucks. Buyers willing to pay premium prices for that capability have made the Gladiator one of Jeep's most profitable vehicles per unit sold.
Ford recognized this opportunity and created the Bronco family, which has also found strong demand. However, the market still has room for additional players, particularly as traditional truck buyers become more interested in vehicles that offer both capability and lifestyle appeal.
What Makes This Patent Significant
Patents represent ideas, not guaranteed products. Automakers file hundreds of patents annually for designs that never reach production. Sometimes these filings simply protect intellectual property. Other times they explore concepts that might prove useful years down the road.
However, this particular patent stands out because of its timing and context. It arrives as Hyundai publicly commits to expanding its off-road vehicle lineup. The detailed engineering work evident in the patent documents suggests more than idle speculation. Hyundai devoted considerable resources to solving real-world problems like water intrusion and wind noise.
The involvement of both Hyundai and Kia brands indicates this might be platform-level technology that could be applied across multiple vehicles. That would make the engineering investment more cost-effective and increase the likelihood of production.
Market Opportunities and Challenges
Entering the open-air truck market would represent a significant expansion for Hyundai. The brand has built its reputation on sedans, crossovers, and more recently, electric vehicles. Traditional body-on-frame trucks represent different engineering challenges and buyer expectations.
The off-road truck market also carries high stakes. Buyers in this segment tend to be loyal to established brands with proven track records. Toyota, Jeep, and Ford dominate because they've spent years building reputations for durability and capability.
Hyundai would need to overcome skepticism from buyers who question whether a Korean automaker can deliver the ruggedness they expect. The removable roof feature could help by offering something distinctive, but it would need to work flawlessly to avoid becoming a liability.
On the positive side, Hyundai has demonstrated it can compete in markets where it previously had little presence. The brand's electric vehicles have gained respect. Its N performance division has earned credibility with enthusiasts. Success in the SUV segment with models like the Palisade shows Hyundai can build vehicles Americans want to buy.
The Santa Cruz Factor
Hyundai's existing Santa Cruz pickup provides both opportunities and complications. The compact unibody truck has found a niche with buyers who want truck versatility without full-size dimensions. Its car-like driving dynamics appeal to buyers coming from crossovers.
However, the Santa Cruz wouldn't satisfy buyers looking for serious off-road capability or towing capacity. Its refined character sits at odds with the rugged image conveyed by the patented truck design.
This suggests Hyundai might be planning a two-pronged truck strategy. The Santa Cruz could continue serving buyers who prioritize efficiency and urban maneuverability. Meanwhile, a larger body-on-frame truck with a removable roof would target traditional truck buyers and off-road enthusiasts.
Industry Trends Supporting the Move
Several broader industry trends support Hyundai's apparent interest in adventure-focused vehicles. Outdoor recreation has grown significantly, with more Americans buying trucks and SUVs specifically for weekend activities. The overlanding movement has introduced off-roading to buyers who might not consider themselves traditional four-wheelers.
Pickup trucks have also transcended their work-truck origins. Many buyers never haul cargo or tow trailers, instead using trucks as daily drivers that project a certain lifestyle image. This shift has created room for trucks that prioritize experience and enjoyment over maximum payload ratings.
The success of vehicles like the Gladiator and Bronco proves that buyers will pay premium prices for distinctive features. A well-executed removable roof system could justify pricing that helps offset development costs.
Timeline Remains Uncertain
Despite the detailed patent filing and CEO statements about off-road product plans, no confirmed timeline exists for when Hyundai might launch a truck with a removable roof. Automotive development typically requires three to five years from initial concept to production.
The patent filing process itself takes time. Documents often appear publicly months or even years after initial submission. This makes it difficult to determine where Hyundai currently stands in the development process.
Resource allocation presents another variable. Auto manufacturers constantly juggle competing priorities for engineering resources, manufacturing capacity, and capital investment. Electric vehicle development currently consumes enormous resources across the industry. Hyundai must balance its EV ambitions against investments in traditional segments like trucks.
Looking Ahead
Whether this patent results in a production vehicle or remains an interesting footnote, it clearly shows Hyundai studying what makes competitors successful. The Korean automaker is no longer content to follow market trends. Instead, it appears ready to challenge established players in segments they've long dominated.
For truck buyers, more competition generally brings benefits. Additional options create pressure on existing manufacturers to improve their products and hold pricing in check. If Hyundai does bring a removable-roof truck to market, it would need to offer compelling value to overcome brand loyalty and skepticism.
The patent documents show thoughtful engineering work addressing real challenges. The multi-layer sealing system demonstrates Hyundai understands the problems that plague convertible and removable-top vehicles. The manual installation approach suggests practical thinking about how owners would actually use the feature.
Time will reveal whether Hyundai follows through on what this patent suggests. For now, it represents another piece of evidence that the Korean automaker has serious ambitions for the American truck market. Those ambitions might soon include giving buyers the wind-in-your-face experience that has made Jeep's open-air vehicles so popular.
