Someone at Hyundai has clearly been watching too much “Mad Max” while simultaneously listening to ambient Lo-Fi beats from the future. The result? The Hyundai Crater – an electric SUV that looks like a cross between a space rover and a digital transformer. But be warned – this isn’t just another SUV that wants to be an “SUV”. This is a machine that doesn’t play around. Well, except with our emotions.
Hyundai At first glance, Crater looks like something the designers drew after two days in the desert – without sleep, but with plenty of imagination. It’s dressed in digitally pixelated camouflage, rides on 33-inch off-road tires, and carries six (yes, six!) auxiliary lights, as if to say: “I don’t save anyone I can’t see.” Add skid plates and tow hooks – and you have a vehicle ready for the apocalypse (or at least a weekend trip to Vršič).
But a Hyundai wouldn't be a Hyundai if it didn't add a pinch of fun - the front towbar hides a mini mascot named Crater Man, which also appears on the seat belt buckles and even on the dashboard. Although the car doesn't have a soul - this model almost has one. And character on top of that.
Interior: somewhere between Milan Design Week and the lunar module
Forget the classic dashboard – Crater has a floating cylinder, attached with textile straps (seriously), that houses four detachable square screens. They display everything from Spotify to… whatever you can imagine. And yes, you can detach them and take them with you. Because why would infotainment only be in the car?
The cabin is bathed in warm orange light, giving the impression of sitting in a baked pumpkin, shaped according to the latest interior design trends. Hyundai calls this philosophy “Curve of Upholstery” – every touch, every edge, every surface is soft, curved, tactile. Hard plastic? They don't know that phrase here.
Under the hood? Electricity. And silence interrupted by off-road ambitions
Hyundai The Crater is said to be electric – Hyundai is keeping quiet like a well-mannered design boss, but judging by the shape and size, we can assume that the powertrain is from the Ioniq 5: 84 kWh battery, two motors, around 320 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. Not bad for something that looks like an armored robot with Dakar ambitions.
Interesting: inside you will find buttons for low gear and differential lock – which is the domain of true SUVs. With electric vehicles, this still sounds like science fiction, but at least it clearly shows intent. Hyundai is serious. Or at least it's bluffing very well.
But… a sad chapter in the story: Crater remains just a concept
And here comes the moment when we must gently hug you and say: No, you won't be able to buy it.. At least not yet. Hyundai has no concrete plans to make the Crater a production model. Which is a shame. Because honestly – if you put it next to a Bronco or a Wrangler, you’d blush like a teenager in the front row at a BTS concert.
But Crater is not in vain. His mission is clear: to predict the future XRT lines – rugged, more off-road-oriented Hyundai models. Until now, these have been more “urban foresters” than true adventurers. But if Crater is any inspiration, then get ready: The next Santa Fe XRT might actually want to climb a mountain. Not just park in front of the gym.
Conclusion? Hyundai has balls. It just needs courage.
Crater is proof that Hyundai has ideas. Big, bold, wild ideas. If it has the courage to execute them, it could finally move from the “practical” zone to the “legendary” zone.
Question for you, dear readers: Would you take a drive with Crater on the back roads? Or would you just admire it from behind the glass in a museum of ideas we never got?
