Hyundai is positioning itself for a serious entry in the compact off-road SUV arena. Case in point, the Korean car brand recently teased the Crater Concept through a series of sketches and renderings, ahead of its global debut at AutoMobility LA 2025. At a glance, the Hyundai Crater immediately draws comparisons to established rugged nameplates, most notably the Ford Bronco. While Hyundai has not explicitly said it’s targeting the American SUV, the design direction strongly suggests that the brand intends to compete in the Bronco’s arena.
Presented as a compact off-road SUV, the Crater is built around themes of toughness and capability. Hyundai says the Crater draws inspiration from extreme environments, with developments led by the Hyundai America Technical Center in California. This connection points to Hyundai’s renewed interest in purpose-built off-roaders, beyond the usual crossovers and SUVs it’s been rolling out in recent years.
The Crater also reflects Hyundai’s expanding XRT identity. Recent models such as the Ioniq 5 XRT, Santa Cruz XRT, and the upcoming Palisade XRT Pro have introduced a more capability-focused design within the lineup. Based on the rendering, the Crater appears to be the most comprehensive exploration of that philosophy, serving as a showcase of what a Hyundai-branded adventure vehicle could eventually become. The sketches hint at a boxy silhouette, upright proportions, and functional elements like reinforced bumpers and prominent recovery points – all of which are common in modern off-road SUVs.
For Hyundai, entering the segment is a strategic move. Compact off-roaders have seen a surge in interest, thanks to the success of the Ford Bronco, as well as more compact examples like the Suzuki Jimny. Hyundai envisions the Crater as an opportunity to break into a category it has not traditionally occupied, potentially appealing to drivers seeking capability, versatility, and an outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Notably, the technical specifications of the Hyundai Crater remain undisclosed. The brand has not disclosed whether the off-road SUV will use an internal combustion engine (ICE), a hybrid setup, or a full-electric powertrain. However, given the brand’s EV-focused lineup today, going the electrified direction won’t be surprising.
The Hyundai Crater Concept will make its global appearance on November 20 at AutoMobility LA 2025. There, Hyundai is expected to detail more about its role and production potential.
