Hyundai Will Present the CRATER Concept at the 2026 Montreal Auto Show

 

Hyundai Auto Canada will take advantage of the 2026 Montreal International Auto Show to present the CRATER Concept in its Canadian debut. The vehicle is an all-electric sport utility concept that offers a clear projection of the South Korean automaker’s electrified and off-road-oriented vision.

The CRATER Concept will make its Canadian debut at the Montreal Auto Show

CRATER represents the electric vision of Hyundai’s new XRT division

XRT will be a division dedicated to off-road activities for Hyundai

From Los Angeles to Montreal

First revealed globally at AutoMobility LA in November, the CRATER Concept now begins its North American journey in the Quebec market, a strategic choice for Hyundai. The automaker has recorded sustained growth in the province over the past several years, driven in large part by strong adoption of electrified vehicles. Quebecers lead the country in electric vehicle adoption while also showing a strong preference for compact sport utility vehicles.

According to Hyundai Canada, this Canadian premiere is part of a clear strategy to position the brand as a key player in electrification. The Montreal Auto Show therefore becomes a strategic showcase for presenting this vision, both from a technological and symbolic standpoint.

The CRATER Concept was designed at the Hyundai America Technical Center in California. It is a fully electric off-road SUV conceived as a design exercise rather than an imminent production model. The objective, however, is to demonstrate that electrification can meet the demands of adventure driving, all-wheel traction, and challenging environments.

Bold and aggressive design

From a design perspective, CRATER adopts Hyundai’s “Art of Steel” design language, previously explored on other recent concepts. The surfaces are sharply sculpted, the fenders heavily pronounced, and the approach and departure angles clearly emphasize off-road capability. The unibody structure aims to balance rigidity and agility, two essential qualities for a vehicle intended to venture beyond paved roads.

The approach is distinctly North American. Hyundai notes that the concept was developed with Canadian and American customer expectations in mind, both in terms of styling and versatility. In a market where compact and midsize SUVs dominate sales, CRATER explores a relatively untapped niche: an electric utility vehicle with a strong adventure-focused personality.

The interior reflects this same philosophy. The cabin design strikes a balance between ruggedness and approachability, featuring durable materials, purposeful technical forms, and ergonomics tailored to active use. The dashboard, conceived as a natural extension of the exterior, creates a visual connection between the bodywork and the interior space.

A visible structural roll bar frames the cabin and contributes to the concept’s identity. Beyond reinforcing the perception of strength, it integrates grab handles that facilitate access to the vehicle, a functional detail that underscores CRATER’s utility-oriented mission. This architecture is intended to inspire confidence and highlight the idea of a vehicle designed to handle demanding conditions.

The driver interface stands out with a central pixel-style display and a square-shaped steering wheel, a combination that reinterprets traditional cockpit design cues. Dedicated controls allow quick selection of various terrain-specific driving modes, including Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, and XRT.

Designed for enjoyment

Several details enhance the onboard experience. Hyundai has incorporated a symbolic character named CRATER MAN, appearing through graphic elements and subtle visual references throughout the cabin. This playful touch is meant to humanize the concept and create an emotional connection with users.

Notable features also include a removable Bluetooth speaker housed in the centre console, along with concealed lighting at the edge of the dashboard that reveals a distinctive lighting signature. Cylindrical controls mechanically linked to illuminated indicators reinforce the functional and intuitive nature of the interior layout.

With the CRATER Concept, Hyundai is not promising a short-term production model, but rather outlining what electric adventure vehicles could become in the years ahead. The vision emphasizes resilience, versatility, and electrification in a Canadian market that is increasingly receptive to this type of proposition. The event will take place from January 16 to 25, 2026, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, with a media preview scheduled for January 15.