Toyota HiLux in trouble as new ute from unexpected source takes shape: Hyundai and GM have confirmed a partnership to develop dual-cab ute to battle 2026 Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max

Two automotive powerhouses are joining forces to wage an assault on the mid-size ute segment.

Hyundai and General Motors (GM) are officially co-developing five new cars, including a mid-size ute that would put it on a collision course with the most popular options in Australia, such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

Such a ute could revive the Colorado name in Australia, which was last worn by GM’s former brand Holden.

Hyundai Australia has recently gone on the record stating it will offer a ute in the near future, but hasn’t revealed what that might be.

Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano told CarsGuide everything is on the table, from reusing the Kia Tasman platform to leveraging its partnership with GM to produce what could be a modern Hyundai version of something like the Colorado.

The latter could be the vehicle that comes into Australia to help it stand apart from sibling brand Kia’s Tasman.

Reuters reported the Hyundai/GM partnership will develop a ute for Central and South America with petrol and hybrid options. It is planning to launch the vehicle in 2028. 

That doesn’t sound like the vehicle is destined for Australian shores, but the partnership is targeting production of 800,000 utes a year, which could bolster its export chances.

Chief Investment Officer at Seoul-based hedge fund Billionfold Asset Management, An Hyung-jin, told Reuters the new ute will struggle to compete with cut-price Chinese rivals.

BYD already has a big foothold in South America, where it has just started producing vehicles in Brazil.

BYD’s Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute has made an immediate impact in Australia, and more Chinese utes from Chery, Geely, LDV and MG are headed our way.