Is Hyundai gunning for the Wrangler and Bronco?
Hyundai revealed the CRATER Idea on the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Present. This small electrical SUV is serving as a sign the South Korean automaker might create a devoted sub-brand for its XRT line of off-road-themed autos. Such a transfer has been profitable for different automobile corporations, together with GMC and Subaru with their Denali and Wilderness fashions, respectively. Hyundai presents XRT variations of the Palisade, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, and Tucson so it might make sense for the corporate to try some sort of spinoff.
Hyundai CRATER Idea
Design
The CRATER adopts Hyundai’s new design language. Dubbed “Artwork of Metal,” it’s characterised by extremely angular strains and flared fenders. The idea car sits on 33-inch all-terrain tires with underbody metal skid plates and a heavy-duty roof rack. Pixel-style lighting components, already seen on Hyundai’s different EVs, are built-in into the headlights, taillights, and roof-mounted auxiliary lamps. The physique encompasses a distinctive matte green-gold paint job, which the corporate says is impressed by California’s coastal terrain.
Off-Highway Options
Hyundai emphasizes that the CRATER Idea is an illustration of useful off-road functionality fairly than as purely a design train. The car consists of limb risers, towing restoration hooks, and protecting physique cladding. Firm officers say the CRATER is constructed with trails in thoughts, together with well-known ones such because the Rubicon and Moab. This means a manufacturing model that would compete with the likes of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
Inside
Inside, the CRATER contrasts its angular exterior with rounded seats and a tubular dashboard. A large head-up show spans the windshield, whereas removable digital panels exchange the standard central touchscreen. A mascot character known as “Crater Man” seems on the restoration hooks, seat buckles, and different elements. Once more, we will’t assist however draw comparisons to the Jeep Wrangler, which has its personal Easter Eggs that comprise small nods to the model’s off-road heritage.
Outlook
Hyundai executives state {that a} car based mostly on the CRATER is a critical candidate for manufacturing. Electrical, hybrid, and common inner combustion drivertrains are all into consideration. Pricing can be anybody’s guess, but when Hyundai intends the CRATER to be a halo mannequin for an XRT sub-brand, we count on it to be in-line with the Bronco and Wrangler.
CG Says:
Off-road-themed trim ranges of pickups and SUVs are fairly fashionable today, even amongst prospects who would by no means do something extra aggressive than drive down a mud street. We give Hyundai further credit score for going the additional mile to supply a completely distinctive car that may function a halo for its ambitions. If a manufacturing model of the CRATER can look even considerably near the idea proven right here, we expect it’ll carry prospects into showrooms who may in any other case have supposed to buy a Bronco or Wrangler. We’ll see if it will get the inexperienced mild for manufacturing.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
Hyundai CRATER Idea Footage
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