The Hyundai Crater Concept is a cyberpunk off-roader that genuinely resembles a stylish car rather than an eyesore.
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Hyundai might not be the first brand that comes to mind when discussing off-roading, and they’re aware of it. However, the Korean manufacturer has positioned itself as a design leader, consistently producing standout vehicles such as the Ioniq 6 and eye-catching concept cars, with the N Vision 74 being a prime example. The newly introduced Crater concept is Hyundai's latest design venture, featuring a pixelated motif on an innovative four-wheeler that is unlikely to enter production.
And honestly, who cares? Automakers can and should create things just for fun.
Hyundai does offer a few models that lean towards ruggedness and could be considered adventurous, including the Ioniq 5, Santa Cruz, and Palisade, all sporting the XRT badge. The company claims the Crater concept represents a future evolution of these models, branding it a “rolling embodiment” of the direction XRT variants are heading. Should that turn out to be accurate, count me interested.
I tend to prefer traditional trucks, to be candid, but Hyundai seems to share my appreciation for steel, which is what the Crater is made of. They've even dubbed the design language as the “Art of Steel,” intended to showcase the durability and versatility of this classic material. The design features many unconventional shapes, which I view positively. Those boxed fenders surely required more design effort than the Bronco Raptor's flares, which resemble cut-up inner tubes.
While Hyundai may not have intended it, the Crater concept reminds me of Bowler EXR Dakar buggies (or a Rivian R3X, as my colleague Byron noted). It has a four-door design with coach doors, allowing for a seamless interior flow due to the absence of a traditional B-pillar. With its sporty stance, it appears poised and ready for action. The front three-quarter view reveals details such as orange accent tow hooks, hood limb raisers, a roof platform, and uniquely crafted rocker panels.
Hyundai
The Crater sits on chunky 33-inch tires that wrap around its 18-inch hexagon-patterned wheels, emitting a vibe similar to the Cybertruck’s wheels but without the annoying covers. The rear view highlights the ample space beneath the body, which is excellent for ground clearance. The thoughtfully designed front and rear bumpers contribute to impressive approach and departure angles that, while not specified, seem exceptional. I wouldn't be surprised if it could scale a concrete wall effortlessly.
The lights typically found where side mirrors are located are removable for use around camp—quite clever.
Inside, it features both practical and aesthetically pleasing elements. For example, the full roll cage increases safety and structural integrity while complementing the seat design to create a sleek silhouette that I find appealing. I wish I could find a better term than “cyberpunk” for the interior, but it fits in many ways. The warm orange glow, neon-like characters on small displays across the dashboard, and 4WD indicators nestled among gear-shaped components create a striking atmosphere. Almost every visible interior surface has perforations, and notably, there isn't a massive touchscreen—this is due to Hyundai adopting a BYOD (bring your own device) approach.
Hyundai
No one is under the impression that Jeep or Bronco enthusiasts will switch their 4x4s for something like the Crater concept, should Hyundai decide to produce it. This vehicle wouldn’t be the ideal choice for those regularly navigating the Rubicon Trail; although Hyundai hasn’t provided powertrain details, I suspect it’s battery-powered, and we've seen how that performs on America’s toughest off-road roads. But if we’re merely considering it as a design piece? Honestly, it looks fantastic, provided you're into this sort of thing.
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VW’s 2025 ID.Cross concept is transitioning into a production electric vehicle.
This electric version of the subcompact T-Cross introduces a new design language for VW.
The concept features a front-mounted motor with 208 hp and a range of 261 miles.
Volkswagen’s smallest electric SUV has emerged from the concept phase and is now on public roads. Our spy photographers captured the first images of the ID.Cross prototype, providing an initial glimpse of the subcompact EV that was showcased at the Munich Auto Show last September.
Although still clad in camouflage, the production model bears a striking resemblance to the original concept.
The proportions appear nearly identical; the ID.Cross has short overhangs, a rounded front, and a slightly tapered rear that reflects the concept’s “urban-friendly” design.
The final version is expected to align closely with the concept’s dimensions, which were optimized to maximize interior space within a compact size: about 4,160 mm (163.8 inches) in length, making it shorter than the Taos in the U.S. and squarely within the subcompact EV segment.
Even while camouflaged, the outlines of the headlights and taillights appear reminiscent of those from the Munich exhibit, hinting at VW’s latest light-bar design. Although not visible, it’s likely that the three illuminated rectangles integrated into the concept’s black C-pillar have made their way to the production model as well.
The concept's quirky interior, designed to resemble a yoga studio on wheels, won't be carried over in its entirety, so don’t expect pastel lighting or Zen-garden textures in the standard version.
However, VW's newest compact cabin layout, featuring a larger infotainment screen and enhanced physical controls, should be included.
What powers it?
The ID.Cross is based on the latest iteration of the MEB platform, which has been optimized for this new front-wheel-drive generation of small electric vehicles, including the ID.Polo.
The concept was designed with a single-motor configuration generating about 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW), which is a plausible target for the production model. Additionally, we anticipate that less powerful options will also be introduced to broaden availability.
Volkswagen did not disclose the battery size for the concept, but they indicated it could achieve a 261-mile (420 km) WLTP electric range, providing a good indication of the real-world driving capabilities we can expect when it debuts globally next year.
Will the U.S. get it?
Sales in the U.S. have not yet been confirmed; however, in Europe, the ID.Cross is expected to start around £25,000/€28,000 ($32,000) when it competes against other electric crossovers like the Kia EV2, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and its VW Group counterparts, the Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval.
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The Hyundai Crater Concept is a cyberpunk off-roader that genuinely resembles a stylish car rather than an eyesore.
The Crater concept with its futuristic feel demonstrates that cyber elements are still relevant.