The last time Hyundai said “something big” was coming, it was a cool new off-road electric SUV concept. In a few days, we will see what Hyundai is cooking up this time during a “major world debut” at the 2026 New York Auto Show. Here’s what to expect.
What will Hyundai unveil at the 2026 NY Auto Show?
A few days before the LA Auto Show last November, Hyundai said it was bringing something big, and it turned out to be the Crater Concept.
The concept was created at Hyundai America Technical Center in Irvine, California, to preview the future of its Extra Rugged Terrain (XRT) models, such as the IONIQ 5 XRT, Santa Cruz XRT, and Pallisade XRT Pro.
Although it was still just a concept, Hyundai said the SUV was created as a testament to making future XRT vehicles more functional, capable, and emotional than ever.
“CRATER began with a question: ‘What does freedom look like?’ This vehicle stands as our answer,” Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Center, SangYup Lee said.
The design team crafted the off-road SUV with one clear goal, Hyundai said: To create a rugged and capable vehicle that’s designed to go anywhere.
With an aggressive high-riding stance, added ground clearance, 33″ off-road tires, a wide skid plate, limb raisers, and a protective rocker panel, the Crater is designed to tackle any terrain.
The concept even included a multi-function Off-Road Controller and an added terrain mode selector to optimize traction on Snow, Sand, and Mud.
During the same week as the LA Auto Show last November, Hyundai Design North America opened its new design and ideation studio, codenamed “The Sandbox” internally. The creative hub is dedicated to developing new outdoor adventure vehicles and XRT gear.
While the company has not officially announced plans to launch a production version of the Crater Concept, several Hyundai prototypes covered in camouflage have been spotted testing over the past few months that look a bit like the rugged off-road SUV.
On the sidelines of the LA Auto Show, Hyundai North America’s senior VP of planning and mobility strategy, Olabisi Boyle, told The Drive that in the future, XRT is “not gonna be a trim. It’s going to be capability.” In other words, Hyundai’s XRT will likely become its own sub-brand.
The major world premiere that Hyundai will hold on April 1 during media day at the New York Auto Show could be our first look at Hyundai’s off-road XRT SUV. The rock may hint at a production version of the “Crater” SUV.
Regarding the powertrain, we’ll have to wait until Wednesday, but the vehicle will likely be electrified in some form, whether a battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, or extended-range electric vehicle.
During its annual general shareholder meeting last week, Hyundai outlined plans to launch 36 new or updated vehicles in the US, Canada, and Mexico over the next four years. The vehicles will include cars, SUVs, trucks, and commercial vehicles, as well as new XRT and N derivatives.
Will it be the Hyundai off-road electric SUV we’ve been waiting for? If so, it could go head-to-head with the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
Another possibility is that the big debut could be Hyundai’s highly anticipated mid-size pickup. Hyundai has already confirmed plans to launch one in the US, and the off-road theme is fitting.
Top comment by Mrvc
Hyundai has been making a car for everyone so I guess an off roader mall crawler thing makes sense. It gives me fj cruiser vibes. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I wish they would get out there with cheap small trucks and vans for fleets and people to do work. It might not be head line grabbing but something has to be done.
Although it’s being held on April 1, Hyundai assures this is “no joke.” You can watch the reveal during a livestream on HyundaiUSA’s YouTube page on April 1 at 9:55 AM ET.
COMING SOON
— 현대자동차 (hyundai korea) (@hyundai_kor) March 31, 2026
캐캐캐캐캐캐캐
내가 누군지 맞혀봐 👀
4월 1일, 현대자동차의 새로운 모델이 공개됩니다.
실루엣만으로도 느껴지는 남다른 존재감,
익숙한 듯하면서도 어딘가 새롭게 다가오는 이 느낌
과연 어떤 차량일까요?
여러분의 예상은? 댓글로 맞혀보세요 👇#현대자동차 #Hyundai pic.twitter.com/tbcgEhRsjQ
On a separate note, Hyundai shared what appears to be the real April Fools’ joke on its Korean social media channels. The teaser image shows a stretched-out limo version of its smallest EV, the Casper Electric (sold as the Inster EV overseas).
The caption read “On April 1st, a new model from Hyundai Motor Company will be unveiled. An extraordinary presence felt even just from the silhouette, A feeling that seems familiar yet somehow approaches anew.”
We will find out what Hyundai is up to soon. What do you hope to see? An off-roader? A pickup truck? Let us know in the comments.
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