Hyundai used AutoMobility LA 2025 to pull the wraps off the Crater Concept, a compact off-road SUV that hints at where the brand wants to take its rugged XRT lineup next. Designed at Hyundai’s studio in Irvine, California, the Crater Concept blends futuristic styling with serious off-road cues, giving Hyundai fans a look at what an adventure-focused compact SUV from the brand could eventually become.
Hyundai says the Crater Concept represents the next evolution of its XRT design language, which already appears on models like the Ioniq 5 XRT, Santa Cruz XRT, and Palisade XRT Pro. With the Crater, the brand pushes that theme further into a more aggressive, capability-focused direction.
SangYup Lee, Hyundai’s head of global design, describes the concept as an answer to the question, “What does freedom look like?” According to Hyundai, that means more visual toughness, an emphasis on exploration, and an exterior inspired by extreme environments.
The Crater Concept is packed with off-road details from front to back. Hyundai refers to its exterior approach as “Art of Steel,” a design language inspired by the shaping and sculpting of metal. The result is a mix of sharp lines, sculpted volumes, and protective surfacing.
Some standout details include:
- Hexagonal 18-inch wheels inspired by asteroid impacts, wrapped in 33-inch off-road tires
- Wide skid plate that visually and functionally reinforces the SUV’s off-road mission
- Steep approach and departure angles signaling real trail capability
- Roof platform designed to accommodate lighting, storage, or accessories
- Limb risers stretching from hood to roof for protection on tight, overgrown trails
- Three-dimensional parametric lighting and pixel-themed roof-mounted auxiliary lights
Hyundai even hid a few surprises in the design, including a recovery hook that doubles as a bottle opener and side-mirror camera modules that can detach and function as handheld flashlights or action cameras.
Inside, the CRATER Concept follows a rugged-but-premium theme, blending tough materials with soft touchpoints. Hyundai leans into function-first design, wrapping technical shapes in durable fabrics and leather meant to withstand dirt, sand, and constant wear.
Key interior highlights include:
- Full-width dynamic head-up display with integrated rearview camera feed
- Bring-Your-Own-Device interface, allowing personal devices to run the vehicle’s digital experience
- A bent-metal “crash pad” dashboard with perforated ambient lighting
- Exposed structural roll cage with integrated grab handles
- Wraparound seats with three-dimensional padding and four-point harnesses
- Terrain Mode controls for Snow, Sand, Mud, and Hyundai’s XRT setting
The cabin also packs practical tools like a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, removable Bluetooth speaker, altimeter, compass, trailer brake controls, and downhill-braking assist. A playful “Crater Man” character is hidden throughout the interior and exterior as a bit of Easter-egg storytelling.
The Crater Concept wears a matte “Dune Gold” finish that draws from California’s coastal deserts and sun-faded landscapes. Subtle orange accents nod to campfires and sunsets, while rugged black leather and Alcantara create a durable, adventure-ready interior environment.
Hyundai hasn’t announced production plans, but the Crater Concept seems to preview a future compact off-road SUV that could slot below the Santa Fe or Santa Cruz. It also shows how far Hyundai is willing to push its XRT brand identity into the realm of true adventure vehicles.
