The robust one Hyundai crater The concept was unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show and shows how the Korean brand’s new design language applies to a robust off-roader.
Hyundai Motor America calls it a compact SUV, which suggests it’s about the size of a Tucson; Like Hyundai’s midsize mainstay, it also features a monocoque construction.
The Crater concept could therefore be a preview of design elements that will appear in the next Tucson, although some of the robust design features could also appear in Hyundai’s upcoming body-on-frame Ford Ranger, due to go on sale in the US in 2030.
Hyundai is also considering an SUV version of this ute. Since discontinuing the Terracan in 2007, the brand hasn’t offered a body-on off-road SUV.
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The Crater is described as an “extreme off-road show vehicle” that combines Hyundai’s new-age pixel design theme with the brand’s off-road-ready XRT factory parts and accessories.
In the US, Hyprising offers XRT versions of the Ioniq 5, Palisade and Santa Cruz Ute; In Australia, XRT accessories are offered for the Santa Fea large SUV.
The Crater concept’s wild exterior “reflects the landscape from which it is inspired” – with its green and gold matte paint reminiscent of the terrain of Southern California.
The chunky look is accentuated by 18-inch wheels shod with 33-inch all-terrain tires in chunky “transparent fender” wheel wells – with a tow hook that doubles as a bottle opener and side mirrors that double as flashlights.
The underrun protection plates at the front and rear are neatly integrated, and there is additional lighting and a roof platform for mounting storage space or more accessories.
Inside the cabin, the rugged theme is combined with technology, with the “Crater Man” character visible throughout the cabin through soft materials and bold shapes and colors.
An orange cylindrical dashboard contrasts with Black Ember leather interior and brushed metal accents. The wraparound leather seats feature racing-inspired four-point belts and “cylindrical cushions.”
Hyundai says the interior is designed to withstand heavy use and will patina over time, adding to the vehicle’s rugged appearance.
There’s no traditional instrument cluster or infotainment screens, instead there are a handful of small square displays like Hyundai’s Insteroid concept from earlier this year.
Other fancy details include a detachable Bluetooth speaker, seat belt mounts and a “Squircle” steering wheel that displays Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto and XRT driving modes.
There’s also a downhill brake controller, trailer brake controller, compass and altimeter, while the Crater also features a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, as well as an integrated roll cage as an exposed structural element.
No powertrains have been proposed by Hyundai for the Crater as it is still a design concept.
MORE: Explore the Hyundai showroom
