BYD Working On Compact Pickup to Rival the Hyundai Santa Cruz

BYD Considering Entry-Level Pickup

BYD is preparing to expand its lineup with a compact pickup truck, marking the Chinese manufacturer’s first foray into the entry-level pickup space. Going by a recent patent published by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), BYD is woking on a unibody design aimed at global markets, indicating the brand’s ambition to further diversify its growing portfolio. 

A Closer Look

The patent design renderings discovered by CarNewsChina show a sleek pickup with modern styling and proportions similar to the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The unibody construction indicates a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than heavy-duty hauling, while design cues such as the slim LED headlights, connected taillight strip, roof rails, and roll bar hint at it being positioned as a lifestyle offering. The front fascia shares visual elements with BYD’s Sealion 5 crossover, so we can assume that this new pickup will be based on the Sealion 5 platform and will probably serve as an entry point into the brand’s pickup offerings, slotting in below the larger Shark 6. 

Although there is no official word on specifications and powertrains, it is likely that this new compact pickup will employ one of BYD’s existing DM-i or DM-p plug-in hybrid systems. Camouflaged test units were reportedly seen on Chinese roads earlier this year, hinting that development is already in advanced stages.

The Bottom Line

With this move, BYD is positioning itself to tap into a growing demand for smaller, more efficient pickups that blend everyday usability with practicality. If priced competitively, the upcoming model could challenge compact truck rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick, while bringing BYD’s electric and hybrid expertise into a new segment.