Hyundai Unveils CRATER Concept 2025: Price, Specs, and Release Date

Hyundai’s Bold New Off-Road EV Concept Debuts in LA

Hyundai has officially revealed the CRATER Concept 2025, a compact electric off-road SUV designed to redefine adventure mobility. Presented at AutoMobility LA 2025, the CRATER arrives as a rugged, steel-sculpted EV built for explorers — and yes, it even includes a built-in bottle opener integrated into the skid plate. With its chiseled design, 33-inch tires, hose-out interior, and next-level XRT philosophy, this concept marks one of Hyundai’s most striking debuts of the year.

Introduction

The Hyundai CRATER Concept 2025 signals a new era for the brand’s off-road EV lineup. Unveiled in November 2025, the model blends bold industrial design, advanced electric powertrain engineering, and adventure-centric practicality. Unlike many concepts that never leave the digital sketchbook, the CRATER showcases several production-ready elements — from removable mirror-mounted flashlights to BYOD infotainment and a functional roll cage.

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the new CRATER Concept: design, interior, technology, potential performance, and expected release timeline.

Key Facts & Specifications

Design and Exterior

Hyundai describes the CRATER as a “rolling testament to the Art of Steel” — and the design delivers on that promise. The exterior is angular, robotic, and unapologetically industrial, featuring oversized fenders shaped like armored shoulder plates. The steep approach and departure angles confirm that this vehicle is more than a stylish showpiece; the 33-inch off-road tires on 18-inch wheels suggest real trail capability.

The body is finished in a matte green-gold inspired by California’s sagebrush landscapes, giving the vehicle an “expensive swamp-thing chic” aesthetic. The front skid plate houses integrated recovery hooks — with one doubling as a fully functional bottle opener, a humorous yet oddly practical touch.

Interior and Cabin Experience

Inside, the CRATER embraces a rugged, tech-forward environment. The roll cage structure is fully functional, the materials are durable and hose-friendly, and the entire cockpit leans into adventure practicality.

Key interior features include:

• Removable side-mirror cameras that double as flashlights

• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) infotainment, replacing traditional built-in screens

• Perforated crash pad with ambient backlighting

• A portable Bluetooth speaker is integrated into the center console

• Fire extinguisher (driver side) and first-aid kit (passenger side)

Despite its tough persona, the cabin achieves a warm, modern feel with layered metals, textured surfaces, and clever lighting elements.

Technology and Features

The CRATER is loaded with advanced equipment, including:

• Full-width head-up display

• Multi-terrain drive modes: Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, XRT

• Gear-type off-road multifunction controller for traction and differential tuning

• Removable illumination tools and portable audio

• Potential integration of Hyundai’s latest EV platform and thermal-management systems (details pending)

Charging and battery specifications have not yet been disclosed, which is typical for early-stage concept vehicles.

Competitors and Market Position

If Hyundai pushes the CRATER into production, it would compete with:

• Jeep Recon EV

• Rivian R2

• Ford Bronco EV (upcoming)

• Toyota Compact Cruiser EV (expected)

Its advantages would include:

• Unique steel-centric design

• True off-road functionality with compact dimensions

• Adventure-focused interior utility

• Hyundai’s strong EV performance pedigree (e.g., IONIQ 5 N)

Price and Release Date

Hyundai has not confirmed pricing or production plans. However, industry expectations suggest:

• Price: comparable to Hyundai’s compact EV crossovers

• Release: potential pre-production reveal in 2026–2027 if greenlit

• Market: North America first, followed by Europe and Asia

As of now, the CRATER remains a design-forward concept — but one with enough practical elements to hint at real-world potential.

Conclusion

The Hyundai CRATER Concept 2025 stands out as one of the most creative EV debuts of the year. With its rugged steel design, smart adventure-focused details, and playful touches like the built-in bottle opener, it represents a fresh direction for Hyundai’s off-road EV ambitions. If the brand brings this machine to production, it could redefine the compact electric adventure segment.

Stay tuned for more updates on Hyundai’s evolving electric lineup — and the future of electric mobility worldwide.