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Set to debut at the 2025 LA Auto Show on 20th November, Hyundai’s new concept to preview an off-road-oriented SUV
Extreme SUVs purpose-built for off-road and outdoor-adventure enthusiasts are emerging as a major growth segment in the U.S. Noticing this trend, Hyundai has announced a new concept signalling its entry into this space – the Crater. The Hyundai Crater concept has a brawny, masculine exterior with strong proportions that give it an imposing visual presence. Upright front and rear, a high ground clearance, and muscular surfaces give it a confidence-inspiring, tread-anywhere look.
Special bumpers designed to deliver high approach and departure angles stylishly expose the extra-wide, knobby tires. A high-set, sculpted bonnet features prominent power bulges that not only elevate the rugged appearance but also aid front-corner judgement on narrow trails.
Large skid plates provide essential protection against rocks and other obstacles on off-road trails and minimise the collection of debris like sand, mud, and snow. The teasers don’t show, but the concept could be discreetly integrating heavy-duty recovery points at the front and rear. Roof-mounted auxiliary lights and carrier round up the hardcore adventure-ready look.
Also Read: Hyundai Working On 3 New Hybrid SUVs For India; Key Details
The Hyundai Crater is not entirely a boxy old-school SUV, as it features even sophisticated design elements all around. At the front, extremely slim headlights are integrated into the body and feature a pixel-like shape. Similarly, four illuminated dots below the brand logo spell “H” in Morse code.
On the sides, the Hyundai Crater features camera-based virtual mirrors instead of regular glass ones and also a noticeably sleek glasshouse for a vehicle of its type. At the rear, the tail lights mimic the design of the headlights, and similarly, the “H” letter is spelled in Morse code with pixel-look illuminated dots.
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The production version of the Hyundai Crater could be based on a modified version of the Hyundai Santa Fe’s platform and compete with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Toyota 4Runner. The road-ready model could be unveiled sometime by 2028, but we don’t see it making it to India.
Hyundai is working on an off-road-oriented SUV for India, though, and it could use certain elements of the Crater concept in it. The Indian model should compete with the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ due in 2028, although it will likely be priced in a much lower segment.
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