Hyundai files patents for a removable-roof pickup, hinting at a Jeep‑Gladiator rival and potential design shared with Kia Tasman. Learn more now.
Hyundai is turning heads in the automotive world with a fresh batch of patent filings that showcase a bold, removable‑roof pickup concept. The design hints at a vehicle that could sit side‑by‑side with the Jeep Gladiator and may even share key elements with Kia’s upcoming Tasman model.
Patents Reveal an Innovative Design
Recent documents uncovered by CarBuzz show that Hyundai has submitted applications to both the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and Germany’s DPMA. Intriguingly, Kia is listed as a co‑applicant, suggesting the technology could appear across both brands.
Removable Roof and Door System
The core of the filing focuses on a rail‑and‑gasket system that securely locks a large, detachable roof panel. Multiple waterproof layers are built into the gaskets, promising long‑term protection even as wear occurs. Hyundai also mentions the possibility of detachable side doors, aiming to create an “open‑air cabin feel” for passengers.
Is a Jeep Gladiator Rival on the Way?
While Hyundai hasn’t confirmed production, the concept points to a vehicle that could challenge Jeep’s off‑road champion. The removable roof and optional doors would give the truck a unique lifestyle angle, positioning it more as an experiential vehicle than a traditional workhorse.
Hyundai’s Truck Strategy in North America
Hyundai is aggressively targeting the North American market, planning to boost sales from 834,000 units in 2024 to 1.44 million by 2030. To hit those numbers, the company must make a splash in high‑volume segments – and pickups are the “gold mine.” CEO Jose Muñoz has already confirmed a new pickup in development to take on the Toyota Tacoma, alongside an upcoming body‑on‑frame SUV to rival the Toyota 4Runner.
Previous Midgate Patent and Future Plans
Back in December, Hyundai filed a separate patent for a “midgate” – a removable partition between the cabin and the cargo box, reminiscent of the Chevrolet Avalanche’s flexible loading area. Combining a midgate with a detachable roof would be technically demanding, but Hyundai’s commitment to a body‑on‑frame architecture makes it feasible.
- Removable roof for open‑air driving
- Optional detachable side doors
- Midgate for extended cargo versatility
- Shared technology platform with Kia Tasman
- Targeted launch in the highly competitive U.S. pickup market
In a market that’s becoming increasingly saturated, a Hyundai‑styled, roof‑less pickup could become the brand’s distinctive ace. Whether it arrives as a rugged off‑roader or a lifestyle‑focused cruiser, the concept signals Hyundai’s ambition to rewrite the rules of the modern pickup.