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Hyundai’s Crater Concept Signals Tougher XRT Future at LA Auto Show

The compact off-road study previews a more capable XRT direction with 'Art of Steel' design plus serious trail hardware, with powertrain and production still undisclosed.

Overview

  • Unveiled at AutoMobility LA, the U.S.-designed Crater is on display in Los Angeles as a California-developed exploration of Hyundai’s rugged XRT path.
  • The concept packs 18-inch hexagonal wheels with 33-inch off-road tires, wide skid plates, limb risers, a roof platform, removable mirror flashlights, and a recovery hook that doubles as a bottle opener.
  • Trail-focused systems include front and rear locking differentials, a terrain selector for Snow, Sand and Mud, a dedicated off-road controller, downhill brake control, trailer brake control, a compass and an altimeter.
  • Inside, a functional roll cage, a full-width head-up display that replaces conventional screens, and a bring-your-own-device interface headline a durable, modular cabin with four-point harness seats.
  • Hyundai calls Crater a design exploration and has not confirmed propulsion or production, though executives signaled intent to expand XRT capability and reporters view the study as a preview for upcoming SUVs such as the next Tucson.