Inside Hyundai’s Sandbox: How Designers Develop Future XRT Vehicles

Hyundai Design North America presents The Sandbox, a creative hub shaping future XRT vehicles through real outdoor insights and hands-on research. Learn more.

Hyundai Design North America has introduced a new creative space called The Sandbox, a design hub where the team blends hands-on exploration with the development of future XRT vehicles. The studio, located in Irvine, California, began as a small after-hours initiative supported by a modest amount of seed funding, but it quickly evolved into a fully equipped workspace dedicated to outdoor-focused vehicle design.

The Sandbox was built by the same designers who shape Hyundai’s off-road models, giving the project a distinctive “for us, by us” spirit. The team filled the space with gear and accessories used by outdoor enthusiasts, creating an environment that mirrors the lifestyle of XRT customers. This immersion helps designers better understand real-world scenarios, allowing them to focus on durability, versatility, and practical solutions that align with the needs of people exploring extreme terrain.

As part of their workflow, the design staff have already taken part in several off-road trips, vehicle tests, and fact-finding missions. These outings inspired elements of the studio itself, such as the reconfigurable racks used to display off-road components and accessories. Inside the workspace, designers have access to workstations, presentation tools, and color and material displays, enabling them to refine the next generation of XRT models.

One of the first projects influenced by The Sandbox is the Hyundai CRATER Concept, a compact off-road vehicle set to debut at AutoMobility LA in 2025. While detailed specifications have not yet been released, early teasers highlight its rugged, adventure-ready design. Additional confirmed XRT models, such as the Santa Fe XRT Concept and the Palisade XRT PRO, reflect Hyundai’s growing focus on off-road-oriented vehicles.

The Sandbox is expected to evolve as the XRT lineup expands, supporting Hyundai’s efforts to design vehicles that better match the expectations of outdoor-focused customers. By bringing designers closer to the experiences and gear of real adventurers, the studio strengthens the brand’s ability to create capable and authentic off-road solutions.