Hyundai used AutoMobility LA 2025 to pull the wraps off something far more serious than its usual XRT dress-ups. Called the Crater Concept, this compact SUV is Hyundai’s clearest signal yet that it wants to build a proper off-roader, one that goes beyond black cladding and chunky tyres.
Designed at Hyundai’s technical centre in Irvine, California, the Crater sits on a compact monocoque platform but carries the stance of a purpose-built trail machine. The numbers aren’t public, but the steep approach and departure angles, and those massive 33-inch tyres on 18-inch wheels, tell the story well enough. Hyundai says it created the vehicle to “go anywhere,” and the hardware backs it up with limb risers on the bonnet, thick skid plates, tow hooks, a full
roof platform, and auxiliary lights scattered across the bodywork.
Also Read: Karan Aujla’s Insane Car Collection Goes Viral After Parmish Verma’s Video
Even the styling has been rethought. The Crater follows Hyundai’s new Art of Steel design language, giving the SUV sharp, faceted body panels and a tough, industrial look. The rocker panels are shaped like utility cases, while the wheels have a geometric theme inspired by an asteroid’s impact pattern. The whole thing is finished in a matte Dune Gold colour that pairs nicely with the digital pixel camouflage borrowed from the Ioniq 5 XRT.
Inside, Hyundai has leaned heavily into functionality while still keeping things playful. The dashboard blends interior and exterior elements, with perforations that allow ambient lighting to glow through. The seats use thick, three-dimensional padding and strong bolsters, paired with a four-point harness system that feels ready for proper off-road punishment. A head-up display feeds camera visuals, while a chunky multi-function controller sits where the gear selector would normally be.
There’s no traditional touchscreen; instead, Hyundai has used a “crash pad” and compact removable screens for music and widgets. Practical touches include a first-aid kit for the passenger and a fire extinguisher near the driver, small but thoughtful additions that suit the Crater’s purpose.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Motoverse 2025 Live Updates: Himalayan 750, Bullet 650, Flying Flea S6, And Shotgun 650
Mechanically, Hyundai is keeping quiet. The SUV is electric, and while it may share components with the Ioniq 5’s dual-motor setup, nothing has been confirmed. What Hyundai is willing to say is more important: the Crater features controls for low range, front and rear differential locks, downhill braking, and trailer brake management, all clear nods to serious off-road use. Hyundai has already announced plans for an India-focused off-road SUV later this decade. While the Crater is officially just a concept, it’s hard not to view it as a blueprint for what’s coming next.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176354362832869154.webp)
