After clocking up 10,000 miles in my INEOS Grenadier, I felt it was the right time to offer a comprehensive owner review. Moving beyond the initial journalist impressions, this is a long-term perspective from someone who actually lives with the vehicle day in and day out. For those considering a Grenadier, or current owners wanting to share their experiences, I hope this provides valuable insight. I encourage other owners to add their reviews as they reach the 10,000-mile mark, creating a robust database of real Grenadier Reviews for potential buyers.
Meet the Owner and the Grenadier
Based in Southern England, I own a 2023 INEOS Grenadier 5-seat utility model, equipped with the diesel engine. My Grenadier is geared for off-road adventures, boasting features like lockers, RAI (Raised Air Intake), and an auxiliary battery, alongside comfortable additions such as a rearview camera and heated seats. And let’s not forget the stand-out color – Magic Mushroom!
Purpose and Practicality
My Grenadier serves multiple roles: it’s my daily driver, a robust tow vehicle for my business needs, and an off-road tourer for those precious weeks each year when I venture across to Europe and beyond. It’s designed to be versatile, and it has certainly lived up to that expectation.
Enhancements and Personal Touches
To further enhance its capabilities and aesthetics, I’ve made a few key modifications. Almost immediately, I upgraded to aftermarket Braid wheels and larger 285/70/17 General Grabber mud-terrain tires. More recently, I’ve added Buzz Overland accessories, including hinge steps and a practical drawer system, improving both usability and off-road readiness.
Reliability and Real Problems Encountered
Speaking of grenadier reviews and reliability, I can honestly say I’ve faced no real problems. The occasional startup warning messages were swiftly resolved with a software update. Beyond that, the vehicle has been remarkably solid and dependable, reinforcing the positive grenadier reviews I was hoping for.
A History of Vehicles
To give context to my perspective, my previous vehicles include:
- 2003 Mitsubishi L200
- 2007 Nissan Navara
- 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2 door
- 2010 Range Rover Sport TDV8
- 2003 Toyota Hilux
This diverse range gives me a solid basis for comparison when assessing the Grenadier’s performance and capabilities.
Driving Impressions: On and Off the Road
Like many early Grenadier adopters, I approached delivery with a mix of excitement and trepidation, influenced by some of the pre-release grenadier reviews. This was heightened by a 3000-mile European trip planned just days after taking delivery! As detailed elsewhere, the Grenadier performed flawlessly throughout that initial demanding trip. Since then, it has consistently towed 3.5 tons weekly, both on and off-road, tackled numerous long journeys across the country, and reliably served as our family vehicle.
Alt text: INEOS Grenadier utility vehicle in Magic Mushroom color confidently towing a heavy trailer, demonstrating its robust towing capability.
On-road, the Grenadier offers a unique driving experience. The steering, often highlighted in journalist grenadier reviews, has been absolutely fine for me, even when towing substantial loads. My only minor point is that the diesel engine can exhibit some coarseness at certain RPMs. I suspect this might be related to engine vib-mounts rather than the engine itself, but it’s not significant enough to cause discomfort.
Power delivery is more than adequate, enhanced by the seamless gear changes of the gearbox. The BMW straight-six engine is a gem, providing ample low-down torque and a satisfying engine note when you accelerate. Braking performance is excellent, and the suspension is well-balanced both loaded and unloaded. My utility version feels slightly more settled when loaded, being a touch firmer when empty, but remains impressive overall.
Alt text: INEOS Grenadier driving on a winding paved road, showcasing its on-road presence and handling.
Regarding towing – a key aspect for many grenadier reviews – the Grenadier is exceptional. In its class, it’s arguably the best solid-axle tow vehicle available. Its short rear overhang, abundant low-down torque, and dual-rate springs make towing heavy loads, both on and off-road, remarkably easy. The trailer control system rivals top-tier air-sprung systems from JLR and surpasses them when the terrain gets challenging.
Off-road, the Grenadier is genuinely enjoyable to drive. It feels substantial but not unwieldy. Visibility is excellent, and it possesses all the necessary hardware to compete with even highly-specified Jeep Wranglers in demanding off-road conditions. The off-road mode is a standout feature for me. It deactivates intrusive nanny systems, allowing for focused driving on trails and, importantly, enables driving with the door open!
Alt text: INEOS Grenadier confidently navigating a muddy off-road trail, highlighting its off-road capabilities and robust design.
The lockers and transfer box controls have functioned flawlessly from day one. I regularly use the center locker and low box on a weekly basis, demonstrating their everyday usability and effectiveness.
Minor Gripes, Major Satisfaction
My minor gripes with the Grenadier are few. Fuel economy is as expected (and I was aware of this going in, so it’s not a true complaint). The slight coarse vibration at certain RPMs (diesel-specific and truly minor) and the factory seat covers, which persistently come loose, are the only real negatives I can mention.
Beyond these minor points, this vehicle has exceeded my expectations in every way. I still admire it every time I park, and frequently express to my wife just how fantastic it is after using it for work. She clearly agrees, often choosing to drive it instead of her sports car when visiting family!
10,000 Miles Down, Many More to Explore
With 10,150 miles covered, I look forward to many more adventures in my INEOS Grenadier. This long-term grenadier review reflects my genuine satisfaction and confidence in this capable and characterful vehicle.
