A storage box for a pickup truck or similar vehicle is formed from a combination of metallic and composite materials. The storage box includes an internal storage box frame that is formed from a plurality of metallic tubular components that are secured together, such as by magnetic pulse welding techniques. The metallic tubular pieces can be formed from steel, aluminum, and the like, or any combination thereof. The storage box further includes one or more panels that are formed from composite materials, such as urethane, that are secured to the metallic storage box frame. The composite panels may secured to the metallic storage frame box by molding the composite material directly about the metallic storage box frame. Alternatively, the composite panels may be formed as separate pieces that are connected to the metallic storage box frame. The combination of the internal metallic storage box frame and the external composite storage box panels provides a relatively light weight storage box that is resistant to dents and other deformations during use.