HYUNDAI CRATER Concept Makes Global Debut at AutoMobility LA 2025

Hyundai has revealed the CRATER Concept at AutoMobility LA 2025 in Los Angeles. Created by the Hyundai California Design Centre, the concept presents a fresh direction for compact off-road vehicles with a strong focus on material thinking and functional form.

Exterior

The CRATER Concept follows the theme titled Art of Steel, where the character of advanced steel shapes the exterior identity.The SUV sits on large hexagonal 18 inch wheels with 33 inch off road tyres. The body has steep approach and departure angles, wide skid plates, and reinforced rocker panels. Every surface is built to communicate strength and purpose while still keeping a compact footprint.

Interior

The interior combines comfort with durability. Soft yet tough materials wrap around sharply defined geometric forms. A full width head up display and a bring your own device interface replace the traditional centre screen.

The seats blend a structural shell with ergonomic bolstering and use a four point belt system. A detachable bluetooth speaker in the centre console, side mirror cameras that convert into flashlights, and a recovery hook that doubles as a bottle opener add character without compromising practicality.

Colour and Materials

The exterior is finished in a green gold matte tone inspired by California sagebrush and canyon terrain. Small anodised orange highlights add contrast. Inside, the palette stays focused on black leather, Alcantara, brushed metal and textured patterns that echo topographic forms.

Why It Matters

The CRATER Concept signals Hyundai’s intent to explore a more expressive and capability driven design language. It treats freedom as both function and emotion. The concept shows how a brand can use material honesty, robust proportions and thoughtful utility to shape its future off road models.

Key Points for Designers

• Material qualities can guide the entire form language.

• Utility focused features give concept cars real world relevance.

• Interfaces such as full width HUDs and modular device systems reset expectations for future mobility.

• Colour and material choices build mood and context beyond performance cues.