Hyundai’s CRATER concept off-roader is primed and ready for the outdoors

You’ve seen what Hyundai can do to a normal production car turned off-roader with its XRT models; now see what it can do when it makes an off-roader from the ground up. Dubbed the CRATER Concept, this concept car was unveiled at the LA AutoMobility Show and is said to be inspired by extreme environments. Based on the looks alone, we’re inclined to agree.

Hyundai’s design philosophy for the CRATER Concept, called “Art of Steel,” reflects the company’s aim to translate the strength and flexibility of steel into a sculptural form. The exterior is finished in a green-gold matte paint inspired by California’s coastal terrain. 

Its overall silhouette echoes the IONIQ 5 but introduces more pronounced muscle over the rear haunches and wheel arches. Up front, the CRATER features a robust bumper, slim headlights incorporating Hyundai’s parametric-pixel design, and short overhangs that contribute to steep approach and departure angles. The back of the CRATER is also exciting to behold, featuring cuts and creases that somewhat remind us of a fictional exploration vehicle in sci-fi movies. Underneath that tough bodywork are a set of tough 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in serious 33-inch off-road tires.

Other notable exterior features include what Hyundai calls “limb risers”, cables that run from the roof to the hood to help deflect low-hanging branches. The camera-based side mirrors double as removable flashlights for added utility. The rear doors are rear-hinged (suicide doors) that open backward, allowing for easier ingress and egress. And last but not least, Hyundai says the CRATER’s built-in recovery hooks also function as bottle openers—perfect for when you want to kick back and relax.

The interior of the CRATER is just as sci-fi as the outside, but with a mix of hardcore Dakar rally racer as well.  At the center is a squircle steering wheel equipped with its own display and flanked by quick-access terrain mode buttons for Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, and XRT settings. A full-width head-up display spans the dashboard, integrating the rear-view camera feed, while a row of auxiliary screens beneath it provides readouts for hill-descent control, trailer brake control, a compass, and an altimeter. The seats feature three-dimensional padding for enhanced comfort, and a Bluetooth speaker sits neatly on the center console. Rounding out the cabin’s practical touches are a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher, just to give you the impression it’s a serious machine.

What the press release doesn’t mention is the kind of powertrain the CRATER will use. Whether it will be a fully electric vehicle or an internal-combustion-powered machine is still unknown. For now, you can check out the Hyundai Car Guide on AutoDeal.com.ph to explore the brand’s current lineup in the Philippines.