Hyundai has unveiled the ‘next evolution’ of its XRT model series, the Crater off-road SUV concept. Set to debut at the LA Auto Show 2025, the Crater has been designed by Hyundai’s California-based technology center and features a sturdy and boxy design with a cabin that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.
The exterior design follows Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ design, with a boxy shape, upright stance and prominent cuts and creases. There is a 3D LED lighting element at the bottom of the bonnet, which incorporates Hyundai’s ‘four dot’ logo seen on the brand’s electric cars. The SUV features a closed grille and a large front bumper replete with recovery hooks. The heavily carved bonnet features cables that extend to the roof rack, intended to protect the windshield from branches and other debris. The front-end design is completed by auxiliary lamps which have unique symbolic characters that Hyundai calls ‘Crater Man’.
Talking about the sides, the Crater features large wheel arches flanked by 18-inch rims wrapped with 33-inch off-road tyres. The wheel arches and side body also get heavy cladding. In place of traditional rear-view mirrors, unique removable cameras are installed which also work as torches in the dark. The Crater features a rear-hinged rear door and lacks a conventional B-pillar.
At the rear, the design includes prominent hips, strong bumper and the same lighting design as the front unit.
Also read: Hyundai Crater Concept unveiled, glimpse of upcoming off-roader
The bodyshell of the Crater has a roll cage, the side supports of which are visible when the doors are opened. The design of the cabin feels like something out of a movie, with cylindrical design elements present throughout the cabin. Instead of traditional features, the vehicle has a pillar-to-pillar HUD and a center touchscreen, with a row of four small displays on the center console that display more ‘Crater Man’ symbols. Like Hyundai’s current XRT models, the Crater concept features terrain modes in the form of physical buttons on the steering wheel.
No information was given about the powertrain of this concept, Hyundai had earlier called it a ‘show vehicle’. However, the brand has recently confirmed that it is eyeing an off-road-ready SUV for the Indian market, which is likely to take some design inspiration from the concept.
