Hyundai Motor America has unveiled the CRATER Concept, a compact off-road SUV making its global debut at AutoMobility LA 2025. Designed at the Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI) in Irvine, California, the concept introduces the next evolution of Hyundai’s rugged XRT design language, emphasizing versatility, resilience, and the spirit of exploration.
The CRATER Concept will remain on display throughout AutoMobility LA 2025 press days and the Los Angeles Auto Show until November 30, alongside Hyundai’s expanded lineup, including the 2026 Palisade, IONIQ 5, and the new IONIQ 6 N high-performance sport sedan.
A New Chapter in Hyundai XRT Design
According to SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, the concept began with a simple question: What does freedom look like? The CRATER Concept responds with a sculptural, steel-inspired exterior and a warm yet functional interior created for customers who explore beyond the pavement.
Exterior Design: The Impact of Adventure
Art of Steel Design Language
Hyundai’s Art of Steel philosophy transforms the strength and flexibility of steel into sculpted volumes, crisp lines, and a timeless aesthetic. Inspired by extreme environments and natural formations, the CRATER Concept’s body expresses durability, advanced capability, and refined minimalism.
Key Exterior Highlights
Compact Adventurous Proportions
Built on a compact monocoque architecture, the CRATER Concept is designed to go anywhere with confidence.
Adventurous Silhouette
Steep approach and departure angles support serious off-road capability.
Hexagonal Faceted 18-Inch Wheels
Inspired by asteroid impacts, these wheels pair with 33-inch off-road tires for exceptional traction and ground clearance.
Wide Skid Plate
A functional, visually anchoring skid plate enhances protection across rugged terrain.
Roof Platform
Designed for auxiliary lighting, storage, and essential adventure accessories.
Limb Risers
Hood-to-roof cables protect the exterior from low-hanging branches on tight off-road trails.
Sheer Fender Design
Wide shoulders and precise surfaces emphasize robotic character and a planted stance.
Protective Utility Rocker Panels
Reinforced, functional panels enhance off-road readiness.
Parametric Pixel Lighting
Three-dimensional, layered illumination provides depth and modernity.
Auxiliary Off-Road Roof Lights
Featuring Hyundai’s gradient pixel motif for enhanced night visibility.
Hidden Exterior Surprises
A built-in recovery hook doubles as a bottle opener.
Side-mirror cameras detach for use as portable flashlights or adventure-recording devices.
Interior Design: The Curve of Upholstery
Inside, the CRATER Concept blends rugged materials with soft, durable textures for a warm yet functional environment ideal for technology-driven explorers.
Key Interior Features
Customizable BYOD Interface
A flexible digital ecosystem that adapts to every journey through integration with personal devices.
Dynamic Full-Width Head-Up Display
Includes a rearview camera mirror feed with cutting-edge projection technology.
Crash Pad with Ambient Lighting
A bent-metal-inspired dash with perforated lighting that creates a calming glow.
Structural Roll Cage
A functional interior frame offering protection, integrated grab handles, and robust structural tension.
Supportive Adventure Seating
Wraparound seats with three-dimensional padding, robust bolstering, and a four-point harness concept for enhanced off-road restraint.
Squared Steering Wheel with Pixel Display
Terrain mode buttons for Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, and XRT hint at enhanced driver control.
Interior Utility Elements
Passenger-side first aid kit
Driver-side fire extinguisher
Removable Bluetooth center-console speaker
Hidden aperture lighting
Mechanical cylinder-type controls with visual indicators
Playful CRATER MAN character integrated throughout the cabin
Advanced Off-Road Functionality
Hyundai engineered the CRATER Concept with core off-road technologies that support capability and confidence in diverse environments.
Off-Road Control Systems
Gear-type multi-function controller
Front and rear locking differentials
Traction and braking management
Terrain Mode Selector: Snow, Sand, Mud
Downhill brake control
Trailer brake control
Compass and altimeter
Color and Material Story
Dune Gold Matte Exterior
A green-gold matte finish inspired by California’s coastal landscapes, blending sagebrush hues with sun-worn earth tones. Subtle anodized orange accents reflect the energy of desert sunsets and outdoor adventures.
Black Ember Interior
Crafted for durability and real-world use, the interior features materials that age gracefully with exposure to sand, grit, and gear. Textures and surfaces are designed to wear in, not wear out.
Material Highlights
Black leather base with a neutral, nature-inspired tone
Black Alcantara for grip and comfort
Brushed metal accents emphasizing industrial strength
Topographic patterns etched on select surfaces, celebrating exploration
Conclusion: A Vision for Future Adventure
The Hyundai CRATER Concept showcases the brand’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of rugged utility, expressive design, and customer-focused capability. As a bold preview of the next generation of XRT-inspired models, the CRATER Concept blends modern aesthetics with go-anywhere confidence, offering a forward-looking interpretation of freedom, exploration, and adventure.
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