Hyundai CRATER: this is how the Korean brand imagines an extreme SUV built to leave the asphalt behind

What does freedom look like? That is the question Hyundai asked itself to begin creating an off-road prototype where adventure is the primary goal of whoever drives it. This is how the CRATER was born, a prototype that, up until this past weekend, was on display at the brand’s stand during the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The CRATER is a concept in which the brand has used the “Art of Steel” design language, transforming the strength and flexibility of steel into a language of sculptural beauty, resulting in a robust and capable vehicle that, according to the brand itself, conveys strength, resilience and determination. With a compact monocoque architecture, it presents itself as a true off-roader thanks to its equipment, such as a design that allows steep approach and departure angles, an underbody skid plate that protects the entire lower section, wide and prominent wheel arches together with side protections, or the 18-inch wheels fitted with huge 33-inch tyres, all complemented by the matte green-gold paint inspired by the Californian coastal terrain.

As a proper off-roader, it features a roof rack that can serve both as storage for all kinds of items and as a mounting point for the upper auxiliary lights, with a signature lighting pattern of gradient parametric pixels that draws attention, along with the three-dimensional front lighting. To finish, Hyundai has installed hidden details such as the bottle opener function on one of the integrated recovery hooks or, on the rear-view mirrors, which can be removed so that the cameras they house act as flashlights in emergency situations.

Inside, Hyundai has thought about any situation and condition, which is why they opted for materials that easily withstand wear and any type of dirt without sacrificing design, using black leather, Alcantara and brushed metal inserts, all accompanied by orange accents, as on the exterior, that evoke desert sunsets and campfires. Alongside these materials and design comes an eye-catching dashboard and technological elements such as the Head-Up Display, plus a square steering wheel with a sporty cut and only the buttons that are strictly necessary.

These buttons control the preset driving modes of Snow, Sand and Mud, while it also features a multifunction touch Off-Road controller with a gear-style design for total, intuitive control, front and rear locking differentials, and traction and braking management, in addition to Hill Descent Control and Trailer Brake Control. As on the exterior, there are also clear 4×4-oriented details such as the compass and altimeter, as well as items like a first-aid kit or a fire extinguisher.