Hyundai Moves Into Chevy Territory as Its New Pickup Adopts a Signature Silverado Feature

Hyundai has filed a patent for a convertible partition between the cab and the cargo bed—better known as a midgate, a solution long associated with the Chevrolet Avalanche and, more recently, the Silverado EV. The filing, titled Water Drainage Structure of Vehicle Midgate, details a water-management system that channels moisture through seals and the floor structure, allowing the midgate to be used without the risk of leaks entering the cabin.

The patent has drawn attention because Hyundai has already confirmed plans to launch a full-size, body-on-frame pickup for the U.S. market. This truck will be larger than the Santa Cruz and is expected to take aim at established midsize players such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado. The automaker has previously emphasized that this project is a standalone effort and not part of its partnership with General Motors.

The midgate concept debuted in 2001 on the Chevrolet Avalanche, where it allowed the cab and bed to be merged into a single extended cargo area. The idea made a comeback in 2023 with the all-electric Silverado EV. By folding down the rear wall of the cabin, the system dramatically improves a pickup’s ability to haul long items without resorting to a trailer.

Hyundai executives have described the upcoming truck as anything but conventional, hinting at a hybrid powertrain that could include a range-extending generator. If the project reaches production as planned, Hyundai’s new pickup could stand out as one of the most unconventional and talked-about trucks in its segment for the 2026 model year.