After clocking up 10,000 miles on the odometer of my INEOS Grenadier, I felt it was the right time to share a comprehensive owner review. Having lived with this vehicle day-in and day-out, across various terrains and for different purposes, I can now offer a longer-term perspective that goes beyond the initial journalist reviews. My aim is to create a valuable resource for prospective owners and enthusiasts alike, and I encourage other Grenadier owners to add their own reviews as they reach similar milestones.
Owner Location and Vehicle Specification:
Based in Southern England, my Grenadier is a 2023 five-seat Utility Wagon, powered by the diesel engine. My configuration leans heavily towards off-road capability, equipped with features like differential lockers, a raised air intake (RAI), and an auxiliary battery. However, it also includes practical comforts such as a rear-view camera and heated seats. And yes, for those curious about aesthetics, it’s finished in the distinctive Magic Mushroom colour.
Primary Use Cases:
The Grenadier serves multiple roles in my life. It’s primarily my daily driver, handling everyday commutes and errands. Crucially, it’s also a workhorse, functioning as a robust tow vehicle for my business needs. Beyond the daily grind, I also use it as an off-road tourer, taking advantage of its capabilities for extended trips across Europe and further afield a couple of times each year.
Aftermarket Modifications:
To personalize and enhance the Grenadier’s performance and aesthetics, I’ve made a few key modifications. Early on, I upgraded the wheels to aftermarket Braid rims and fitted larger 285/70/17 General Grabber mud-terrain tires. More recently, I’ve incorporated some practical Buzz Overland accessories, including hinge steps and a drawer system to improve storage and accessibility.
Reliability and Problem Areas:
In terms of reliability, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I can confidently say that I have encountered no real problems with the Grenadier. The occasional warning messages that appeared upon start-up were quickly resolved with a software update. Aside from this minor initial glitch, the vehicle has performed consistently and reliably.
Comparison to Previous Vehicles:
To provide context, my ownership history includes a range of vehicles known for their off-road prowess and utility:
- 2003 Mitsubishi L200
- 2007 Nissan Navara
- 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2-door
- 2010 Range Rover Sport TDV8
- 2003 Toyota Hilux
This background gives me a solid basis for comparison when evaluating the Grenadier’s performance and capabilities.
Driving Impressions: On-Road and Off-Road Performance
Given the pre-delivery reviews, which were often mixed, I, like many Grenadier owners, approached delivery with a blend of excitement and apprehension. This was amplified for me by a 3,000-mile European road trip planned just days after picking up the vehicle! As detailed in another forum thread, the Grenadier performed flawlessly throughout this initial demanding journey. Since then, it has consistently towed 3.5 tons weekly, both on and off-road, completed numerous long-distance journeys, and served reliably as a family vehicle.
On paved roads, the Grenadier offers a distinctive driving experience that, in my opinion, is far from unpleasant. The steering, often criticized in journalist reviews, has presented no issues for me, even when towing substantial loads. My only minor critique regarding on-road driving is that the diesel engine can exhibit some coarseness at certain RPMs. I suspect this may be related to engine vibration mounts rather than an inherent engine flaw, and it’s certainly not significant enough to cause discomfort.
The engine power is more than adequate, complemented by a smooth and responsive gearbox that ensures seamless gear transitions. The BMW straight-six diesel engine is a standout feature, delivering ample low-down torque and a pleasing engine note when accelerating. Braking performance is excellent, and the suspension performs admirably both when loaded and unloaded. While the Utility Wagon variant is firmer when empty, it becomes noticeably more comfortable when carrying weight, making it an impressive all-rounder.
Towing Capability:
As I’ve discussed in dedicated towing threads, the Grenadier excels as a tow vehicle. It arguably stands out as the best solid-axle tow vehicle in its class. Its short rear overhang, abundant low-end torque, and dual-rate springs combine to make towing heavy loads, both on and off-road, remarkably easy. The trailer control system rivals even the best air-sprung systems from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and surpasses them when tackling challenging terrain.
Off-Road Prowess:
Off-road, the Grenadier is genuinely enjoyable to drive. While it is a heavy vehicle, it doesn’t feel cumbersome in off-road environments. Visibility is excellent, and the vehicle is equipped with all the necessary hardware to compete with even highly-specified Jeep Wranglers in demanding off-road conditions. The off-road mode is a particular highlight, effectively disabling intrusive electronic aids, allowing for more driver control on trails and, importantly, enabling driving with the doors open.
The factory-fitted lockers and transfer box controls have functioned perfectly from day one, and I routinely use the center differential lock and low-range gearing on a weekly basis.
Minor Gripes:
To offer a balanced perspective, there are a few minor aspects I would identify as gripes:
- Fuel Economy: While expected for a vehicle of this type, fuel economy is not a strong point. However, I was aware of this beforehand and it’s not a major concern.
- Engine Vibration: The aforementioned coarse vibration at certain RPMs in the diesel model is a minor point, but worth noting for complete transparency.
- Seat Cover Fit: The factory seat covers have a tendency to come loose, particularly with frequent entry and exit. This is a minor annoyance rather than a significant issue.
Overall Verdict:
Despite these minor points, the Grenadier has exceeded my expectations in almost every way. It consistently delivers on its promise and fulfills all my requirements and more. I find myself admiring its presence every time I park, and I frequently express my satisfaction with the vehicle to my wife. Her consistent choice to drive the Grenadier over her own sports car when visiting family speaks volumes about its appeal and practicality within our household.
With 10,150 miles completed, I anticipate many more miles of enjoyable and reliable service from my INEOS Grenadier. I look forward to seeing more long-term owner reviews emerge and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this capable and characterful vehicle.
