Hyundai Crater Off-Road SUV Concept Unveiled At LA Auto Show 2025

Hyundai has showcased what it calls ‘the next evolution’ of its XRT model series, the Crater off-road SUV Concept. Set to be showcased at the LA Auto Show 2025, the Crater was designed by Hyundai’s technical centre in California and features a rugged and boxy design paired with a cabin that would not be out of place in a sci-fi movie.

Also read: Hyundai Crater Concept Previewed; To Preview Upcoming Off-Roader

The exterior design follows what Hyundai calls its ‘Art of Steel’ design with boxy proportions, upright stance and prominent cuts and creases. The nose is characterised by a 3D LED lighting element at the base of the bonnet, incorporating the Hyundai ‘four dot’ logo seen on the brand’s EVs. The SUV features an enclosed grille and chunky front bumper replete with recovery hooks. The heavily sculpted bonnet features cables that extend towards a roof rack that aims to protect the windshield from branches and other debris. The front-end design is rounded out by auxiliary lamps featuring unique symbolic characters that Hyundai calls ‘Crater Man’.

Also read: New Hyundai MPV, Off-Road SUV Confirmed For India

Moving to the sides, the Crater features exaggerated wheel arches filled out by 18-inch rims wrapped in 33-inch off-road tyres. The wheel arches and side body feature chunky cladding as well. The traditional rear-view mirrors are replaced by unique removable cameras that also double up as flashlights in the dark. The Crater features rear-hinged rear doors and lacks a traditional B-pillar.

Also read: Hyundai Tucson Discontinued In India: Delisted From Website

Around the back, the design is characterised by prominent haunches, a rugged bumper and a lighting design similar to the unit up front.

The Crater integrates a roll cage into its bodyshell, with the side support visible when the doors are opened. The cabin design itself looks straight out of a movie, with cylindrical design elements situated throughout the cabin. The vehicle features a pillar-to-pillar HUD in place of traditional instrumentation and a centre touchscreen with the centre console housing a row of four small displays displaying more ‘Crater Man’ symbols. As with Hyundai’s current XRT models, the Crater concept features terrain modes in the form of physical buttons mounted to the steering.

Also Read: Hyundai To Launch 8 Hybrid Cars And SUVs In India By FY2030

No powertrain details of the concept were provided, with Hyundai having previously called it a ‘show vehicle.’ The brand, however, recently confirmed that it was eyeing an off-road-ready SUV for the Indian market, which is likely to draw some design inspiration from the concept.