We’ve been watching Hyundai’s XRT sub-brand evolve from appearance packages into something with actual off-road credibility, and the new Crater Concept, unveiled at LA Auto Show, shows us where it’s headed in the future. For context, XRT launched in 2022 as essentially a visual upgrade for the Tucson and Santa Fe, but Hyundai’s been steadily ratcheting up the capability across Palisade, Santa Cruz, and even the Ioniq 5. Now they’re laying out their vision for building a proper adventure vehicle.
Built for California’s Backcountry
The Crater was conceived at Hyundai’s America Technical Center in Irvine. As such, the Dune Gold matte exterior is pulled directly from California’s coastal sagebrush and sun-bleached grasses, with anodized orange accents that nod to campfires and desert sunsets.
Undearneath, this compact electric SUV sits on a monocoque architecture with 33-inch all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch hexagonal wheels (Hyundai says they were inspired by asteroids impacting metal, leaving crater-like indentations). Short overhangs and aggressive approach angles give it serious trail capability, while limb risers that stretch from hood to roof are there to deflect branches on overgrown paths.
The exterior leans into Hyundai’s “Art of Steel” design language with sheer fender surfaces, prominent shoulders, and a wide skid plate anchoring the underbody. Parametric pixel lighting shows up across the headlights, taillights, and roof-mounted auxiliary lights, maintaining visual consistency with other Hyundai EVs. Detachable side-view cameras function as flashlights or adventure cameras. One of the recovery hooks doubles as a bottle opener, because why not?
A Cabin That Prioritizes Function
Inside, the Crater takes a different approach than most modern vehicles. Rather than centering the experience around a massive touchscreen, Hyundai went with a full-width head-up display that projects info across the windshield, supplemented by four small removable touchscreens that follow a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) philosophy. The dashboard features a bent metal crash pad with perforated ambient lighting, while an integrated roll cage outlines the cabin with grab handles built in.
The seats use cylindrical padding elements and wraparound bolsters with four-point harnesses for better support during off-roading. Alcantara and black leather dominate the material palette, with brushed metal accents and topographic patterns etched into surfaces. Practical touches include a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a removable Bluetooth speaker on the center console (Toyota did this with the Tacoma and 4Runner, and it’s a smart move). A gear-type multi-function off-road controller manages front and rear locking differentials, with terrain modes for Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, and XRT settings. There’s also downhill brake control, trailer brake control, a compass, and an altimeter.
So as to not take itself too seriously, Hyundai also created a new character called Crater Man that you can see throughout the vehicle as playful Easter eggs, including an interactive video game that uses the removable touchscreens as controllers.
XRT’s Next Chapter
The Crater exists as “the next evolution” of Hyundai’s XRT direction, which has been steadily building toward legitimate capability. We’ve seen certain trail elements on the Ioniq 5 XRT, Palisade XRT Pro, and Santa Fe XRT concept. However, the Crater decided to be purpose-built from the very start.
Spec Sheet
Model: Crater Concept
Architecture: Compact monocoque (electric)
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive with front and rear locking differentials
Wheels: 18-inch hexagonal design
Tires: 33-inch all-terrain
Terrain Modes: Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, XRT
Exterior Color: Dune Gold Matte with anodized orange accents
Interior Materials: Black leather, Alcantara, brushed metal
Notable Features: Full-width head-up display, detachable side-view cameras, integrated roll cage, four-point harnesses, removable Bluetooth speaker, bottle opener recovery hook
Pricing & Availability
Hinting at the future of the XRT line, Hyundai’s Crater Concept is a design exploration, not a production vehicle, so there’s no pricing or availability. It’s viewable at the LA Auto Show through November 30, alongside Hyundai’s production lineup including the 2026 Palisade, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 6 N.
Recap
Hyundai Crater Concept
Hyundai’s Crater Concept shows where the XRT sub-brand is headed, from cosmetic upgrades to a purpose-built electric off-roader with 33-inch tires, locking diffs, and a full-width head-up display instead of the usual giant touchscreen.
