Hyundai is focusing on developing off-road vehicles that combine a rugged exterior with practicality by reflecting not only off-road driving performance but also design functionality and durability in its XRT off-road-specialized lineup.
Kellen Gustin, a vehicle exterior designer at Hyundai, introduced the design development process of the XRT lineup and the future direction of off-road vehicle design during a test-drive event for national media held in Bentonville, Arkansas, on the 27th of last month.
Gustin stated, “While the XRT started as a relatively simple exterior package in the 2021–2022 models, with each new generation, we have continuously enhanced driving performance, functionality for adventure, and practicality.”
He explained that the XRT model is particularly designed based on horizontal design elements surrounding the body, emphasizing a robust protective structure on the lower part so that drivers can trust the vehicle’s durability even on rough roads.
He added, “The goal is a practical design that gives the lower body a sturdy and strong impression while allowing drivers to feel confident when entering off-road environments.”
Close collaboration with the engineering department is also essential during the design completion process. This is because turning an exterior conceptualized in initial sketches into a real vehicle requires meeting technical requirements such as tow hook usable spaces and gaps between parts.
Gustin noted, “Sketching is a fun task, but the actual product-making process requires coordinating technical conditions with engineers while maintaining the directional intent of the initial design.” He added, “Just before mass production, we even perform minute modifications down to 4 to 5 millimeters to enhance perfection.”
The event also showcased the development process of a concept vehicle demonstrating Hyundai’s future off-road design direction.
The ‘Crater’ concept, in whose initial development he participated, completed a technical and robust exterior by combining wide fenders and a sleek upper body based on Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ philosophy.
He explained, “The Crater was not just a project starting from exterior design, but the result of pondering how many functions we could pack into a small body.” He added, “Various ideas gained during the development process can also influence the design of other vehicles, including the Tucson.”
