2024 Ineos Grenadier Review: The Off-Road Newcomer That Means Business
Imagine if an old-school Land Rover Defender got a tech upgrade, hit the gym, and decided to take on the modern off-road world. That’s the 2024 Ineos Grenadier in a nutshell with a boxy, purpose-built SUV that’s unapologetically made for adventurers who think paved roads are overrated.
Does this tough-looking Brit live up to its hype or is it just a shiny nostalgia trip that costs as much as a luxury sedan? Let’s grab our trail maps and dive into this one.
What Is the Ineos Grenadier, Anyway?
The Grenadier comes from Ineos, a British chemical company headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who decided to build the ultimate go-anywhere vehicle after Land Rover retired the OG Defender. Think of it as the spiritual successor to a classic off-roader, but with modern engineering, top-notch materials, and a hefty dose of ambition.
This SUV is built to endure everything from rocky trails to urban jungles, all while giving Jeep Wranglers and Toyota Land Cruisers some serious side-eye.
What’s Under the Grenadier’s Hood?
The Grenadier is powered by engines sourced from BMW, which is like borrowing a suit from a friend who works on Wall Street…stylish and reliable. While the diesel engine won’t make it to the U.S. market, the gas-powered inline-6 offers plenty of grunt to tackle steep trails or haul your toys to the wilderness. The 8-speed auto is pretty smooth, and the Grenadier’s low-range gearing ensures it’ll crawl over obstacles like a mountain goat.
- Engine Options:
- 3.0L inline-6 turbocharged gasoline engine (281 hp, 332 lb-ft torque).
- 3.0L inline-6 turbo diesel (246 hp, 406 lb-ft torque).
- Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic.
- Drivetrain: Permanent 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and lockable front, center, and rear differentials.
- Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds.
- Payload: 2,200 pounds.
Grenadier Trims and Features
The Ineos Grenadier keeps it simple with its trim lineup, offering variations to suit off-road enthusiasts and utility-focused buyers alike.
- Standard Grenadier:
- Bare-bones practicality for those who want to outfit their SUV exactly how they like.
- Features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, durable cloth seats, and a washable floor.
- Trialmaster Edition:
- Designed for extreme off-roading.
- Includes BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires, an auxiliary battery, and a snorkel for deep water fording.
- Fieldmaster Edition:
- Focused on luxury and versatility.
- Adds leather seats, carpeted floors, a sunroof, and heated front seats.
Interior: Spartan or Spectacular?
Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a cross between a military command center and a modern SUV. The Grenadier’s cabin prioritizes function over frills but still manages to feel surprisingly upscale.
What Stands Out
- Switchgear Galore: The dashboard is loaded with physical switches and toggles, making you feel like a fighter pilot. Even the roof has auxiliary switches for accessories like winches or light bars.
- 12.3-Inch Touchscreen: Features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, because even adventurers need playlists.
- Hardwearing Materials: The interior is designed to take a beating—washable floors and wipe-clean upholstery ensure mud and dirt aren’t a problem.
- Roomy Cabin: Plenty of headroom and legroom, with wide-opening rear doors for easy access.
What Could Be Better?
The infotainment system can feel a bit dated compared to rivals, and while the rugged interior is functional, it might be too utilitarian for those expecting luxury at this price point. Furthermore, the Grenadier is far from affordable for most buyers.
On and Off the Road
This is where the Grenadier shines. It’s built on a ladder-frame chassis, uses solid axles front and rear, and features heavy-duty suspension components that laugh in the face of potholes and boulders alike.
Off-Road Cred
- Approach Angle: 35.5 degrees.
- Departure Angle: 36.1 degrees.
- Ground Clearance: 10.4 inches.
- Water Fording Depth: 31.5 inches.
The Grenadier isn’t just for off-road posers. Its 3,000-hour torture test in extreme conditions ensures it’s as tough as it looks. Whether you’re tackling sand dunes, rocky trails, or snowy passes, this SUV is ready.
On-Road Performance
Here’s the catch: While it’s capable off-road, the Grenadier feels a bit out of place on smooth highways. The steering is heavy, the ride can feel stiff, and it’s not exactly nimble in tight corners. But hey, that’s not why you buy one.
Competitors: Who’s in the Grenadier’s Crosshairs?
The 2024 Ineos Grenadier is stepping into a ring filled with established off-road legends. Here’s how it stacks up:
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
- Price: Starts at $47,495.
- Why It’s a Rival: Iconic off-road capability with more configurations (two-door, four-door, plug-in hybrid).
- Why Choose Grenadier?: The Ineos offers a tougher build and more refinement.
Toyota Land Cruiser
- Price: Starts at $55,000.
- Why It’s a Rival: Legendary reliability and a long-standing reputation for durability.
- Why Choose Grenadier?: The Land Cruiser is downsizing, while the Grenadier remains unapologetically big and bold.
Ford Bronco Raptor
- Price: Starts at $86,080.
- Why It’s a Rival: Extreme off-road capability with aggressive styling.
- Why Choose Grenadier?: The Bronco is more of a high-speed off-roader, while the Grenadier is all about slow, deliberate trail mastery.
Land Rover Defender 110
- Price: Starts at $59,600.
- Why It’s a Rival: The spiritual predecessor to the Grenadier.
- Why Choose Grenadier?: The Defender has gone upscale, leaving the Grenadier to carry the torch for rugged purists.
What We Love About the Grenadier
- Purpose-Built Toughness: Few SUVs feel this dedicated to off-road capability.
- Simple Yet Modern: Blends analog charm with essential modern tech.
- Customizable: The switch-laden interior and trims allow you to build an SUV that suits your exact needs.
What We Wish Was Different
- Pricey Proposition: Starting at $71,500, it’s expensive, especially when you factor in options.
- On-Road Comfort: The stiff ride and heavy steering can wear on you during long highway drives.
- Limited Dealer Network: With Ineos being a newcomer to the U.S., service locations are sparse to say the least.
Verdict: Is the Grenadier Worth It?
The 2024 Ineos Grenadier isn’t for everyone, and it’s not trying to be. It’s for those who value authenticity in an off-roader, who want a vehicle that looks at a muddy trail and thinks, “That’s cute.”
If you’re someone who spends weekends off the beaten path (or dreams of doing so, then it’s hard to ignore the Grenadier’s charm. Yes, it’s pricey, and yes, it sacrifices some on-road comfort, but it’s unapologetically built for adventure.
What do you think? Does the Grenadier tick all the boxes for your dream off-roader? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!