Hyundai’s Crater Concept Looks Like An Ioniq 5 XRT That Forgot To Leave The Gym

Hyundai says the Crater is an “extreme off-road” vehicle designed entirely in the United States.

Hyundai Crater concept teaser

Photo by: Hyundai

Iulian Dnistran

By: Iulian Dnistran

Nov 18, 2025 at 3:40am ET

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Hyundai is bringing an “extreme off-road show vehicle” to the LA Auto Show.
Dubbed the Crater, the adventure-ready crossover rides high on chunky tires.
Hyundai didn’t say what could power the off-roader, but it sure looks like an EV.

Roaming dirt roads and hard-to-access places in complete silence is a serene experience that can only happen if you’re behind the wheel of an electric car. Rivian owners have known this for a few years, but Hyundai seems to want a piece of the action, too.

After making the dirt-ready Ioniq 5 XRT electric crossover, the automaker wants to kick things up a notch with the upcoming Crater concept. Billed as an “extreme off-road show vehicle,” the squared-off SUV packs meaty off-road tires, a generous ride height, a set of roof-mounted flood lights and the signature pixelated LED lights that help Hyundai’s EVs stand out in a crowd.

Gallery: Hyundai Crater Concept Teasers

Hyundai Crater concept teaser

Source: Hyundai

The automaker didn’t say what could power the adventure-ready concept, but seeing how it has a completely closed-off front fascia, my money is on battery power. EVs don’t need big grilles because nothing is exploding under the hood to create power.

These are just a couple of sketches, but we’ll see the car in all its glory–and maybe learn a little more about it–when it debuts at the LA Auto Show on November 20. The reveal will also be livestreamed on YouTube at 12:45 p.m.

What do you think?

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The car was conceived at Hyundai’s America Technical Center (HATCI) in Irvine, California, so it’s an American creation through and through. There’s no word on whether the Crater concept will ever make it into production, but if Hyundai ever wants to get into some real off-roading, this could be a good start.

Sure, anybody can buy an electric Ioniq 5 XRT or gas-powered Santa Cruz XRT and Palisade XRT Pro, but those aren’t exactly mountain climbers. They look cool, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one at the top of a Moab trail.