Underneath, the Crater Concept eschews a body-on-frame architecture (of which, Hyundai currently has none) for a monocoque architecture. However, it boasts of proper off-roading hardware and software in the form of front and rear locking differentials, a traction and brake management system with downhill brake control and trailer brake control, and a terrain mode selector with three modes—Snow, Sand, and Mud.

From there, Hyundai’s design team uses the company’s The Art of Steel exterior design language to good effect. Inspired by Hyundai Motor’s advanced steel technologies, Art of Steel is supposed to evoke the distinctive aesthetic qualities of steel—powerful, gentle, and timeless.

The Crater Concept has steep approach and departure angles. A sheer fender design emphasizes its width as does a skid plate that runs across the front underbody. At the sides are utility case-inspired rocker panels and at each corner are hexagonal-patterned 18-inch wheels (inspired by an asteroid impact says Hyundai) with 33-inch off-road tires.

Up top, the roof platform is imagined as an ideal mounting point for auxiliary lighting, additional storage, and other off-road accessories, while a pair of cables stretching from the front hood to the roof promise added protection from low-hanging branches on narrow and overgrown trails.

Hyundai’s known for pushing the boundaries of lighting, and here, the Crater Concept shows it in a three-dimensional form creating a layered effect. Even the auxiliary lights feature the brand’s gradient parametric pixel theme.

Other hidden gems include recovery hooks that double as bottle openers, side mirror cameras that double as flashlights.

Inside, Hyundai designed the Crater Concept to have a function-first design. It has a full-width heads-up display that include a rear camera mirror feed. The lack of an infotainment system is also deliberate as Hyundai encourages users to “bring your own device” for a personalized experience. Even the main speaker is removable and can be brought out as a Bluetooth-enabled device.

Playing around with shapes and colors, the crash pad is shaped like a bent metal sheet, wrapping around the form. Subtle perforations allow soft light to glow through, with strap-inspired design elements in an accent color doing the same. The seats also take a departure from traditional bucket seats with its cylindrical cushions, while the square steering wheel has a center pixel display.