Hyundai revealed the CRATER Concept at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show. This small electric SUV is serving as a signal the South Korean automaker could create a dedicated sub-brand for its XRT line of off-road-themed vehicles. Such a move has been successful for other car companies, including GMC and Subaru with their Denali and Wilderness models, respectively. Hyundai offers XRT versions of the Palisade, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, and Tucson so it would make sense for the company to attempt some kind of spinoff.
Hyundai CRATER Concept
Design
The CRATER adopts Hyundai’s new design language. Dubbed “Art of Steel,” it’s characterized by highly angular lines and flared fenders. The concept vehicle sits on 33-inch all-terrain tires with underbody steel skid plates and a heavy-duty roof rack. Pixel-style lighting elements, already seen on Hyundai’s other EVs, are integrated into the headlights, taillights, and roof-mounted auxiliary lamps. The body features a unique matte green-gold paint job, which the company says is inspired by California’s coastal terrain.
Off-Road Features
Hyundai emphasizes that the CRATER Concept is a demonstration of functional off-road capability rather than as purely a design exercise. The vehicle includes limb risers, towing recovery hooks, and protective body cladding. Company officials say the CRATER is built with trails in mind, including famous ones such as the Rubicon and Moab. This suggests a production version that could compete with the likes of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
Interior
Inside, the CRATER contrasts its angular exterior with rounded seats and a tubular dashboard. A wide head-up display spans the windshield, while detachable digital panels replace the traditional central touchscreen. A mascot character called “Crater Man” appears on the recovery hooks, seat buckles, and other components. Again, we can’t help but draw comparisons to the Jeep Wrangler, which has its own Easter Eggs that contain small nods to the brand’s off-road heritage.
Outlook
Hyundai executives state that a vehicle based on the CRATER is a serious candidate for production. Electric, hybrid, and regular internal combustion drivertrains are all under consideration. Pricing would be anyone’s guess, but if Hyundai intends the CRATER to be a halo model for an XRT sub-brand, we expect it to be in-line with the Bronco and Wrangler.
CG Says:
Off-road-themed trim levels of pickups and SUVs are quite popular these days, even among customers who would never do anything more aggressive than drive down a dirt road. We give Hyundai extra credit for going the extra mile to produce an entirely unique vehicle that will serve as a halo for its ambitions. If a production version of the CRATER can look even somewhat close to the concept shown here, we think it will bring customers into showrooms who might otherwise have intended to purchase a Bronco or Wrangler. We’ll see if it gets the green light for production.
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
Hyundai CRATER Concept Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
