As the SUV market has shifted toward car-based crossover SUVs, options for serious off-road enthusiasts are becoming scarce. For buyers who value ruggedness over luxury and want a distinctive SUV ready and capable of tackling any terrain, there's a new choice: the Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon.
While the new Grenadier Station Wagon is not lacking in features by any means, it bears a resemblance to the early Land Rover Defenders, which prioritized off-road ability over comfort. The Grenadier is well-equipped with a range of high-end features, but it feels more comfortable off the pavement than on the road.
Photo: Perry Stern
The idea for the Grenadier SUV originated when Jim Ratcliffe, chairman of the Ineos group (a London-based global chemical company), felt the SUV market needed a dedicated off-road model. The Grenadier—named after the pub where Ratcliffe discussed the concept with friends—is the first vehicle ever produced by Ineos. Equipped with a BMW powertrain, the Grenadier delivers its promised capability with permanent four-wheel drive (4WD), lockable front, rear, and center differentials, along with a range of features designed to tackle extreme terrains.
The 2025 Ineos Grenadier is offered in two styles: the Station Wagon (an SUV, ironically) and the Quartermaster pickup truck, with three versions available: Grenadier (station wagon only), Trialmaster, and Fieldmaster. Prices range from around $80,000 to $95,000, including the destination charge.
For this 2025 Grenadier review, Ineos provided a Station Wagon Fieldmaster with the following options:
The test vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was $95,975, including the $1,600 destination charge to ship the SUV to your local dealership from the Hambach, France, assembly plant.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Ineos Grenadier doesn't seem that tall until you get close and realize it's a steep climb to reach the cabin. Luckily, side rails offer the needed step to pull yourself in. Closing the door delivers a solid “thunk”—more proof that there's no flimsy build in this full-size SUV.
Many new models on the market are moving away from physical controls. The Rivian R1S, which I recently drove, had only two buttons on the steering wheel. Ineos has clearly taken a different route. My first impression, when I looked around at the numerous knobs, buttons, and switches, even on the ceiling, was that the Grenadier's interior looks like an airplane cockpit.
There are nearly 50 controls (yes, I counted them), and sticking with the back-to-basics theme, the buttons and switches are all clearly labeled and easy to operate, even with gloves on. Adding to the old-school charm is the key ignition (no start button here) and the compass in the center of the dashboard. Twin sunroofs (left and right) enhance the retro style, allowing you to vent or remove them manually.
At the same time, the Ineos also incorporates modern features, including a 12.3-inch central display screen. Not only does this provide infotainment functionality, but it also serves as the driver's display, showing speed, gear selection, and relevant gauges. Other modern touches include the digital readout in the center of the compass, which displays altitude and direction, as well as the gear selector that resembles BMW's.
While the Ineos Grenadier may draw inspiration from the early Defenders, the new SUV places much greater emphasis on passenger comfort. The seats in my test vehicle were quite comfortable, featuring soft leather trim and seat heaters. Sitting high, visibility out of the Ineos is good, helped by the large exterior mirrors.
The rear bench seat provides adequate legroom and headroom for the outboard positions. Although the Recaro seats are somewhat firm, they are still reasonably comfortable. However, due to the center console and the large hump in the middle of the floor, the middle seat has limited space and would be uncomfortable for an adult to sit in for an extended period. Dual USB-C ports are available for rear-seat passengers.
Access to the large cargo area is through a 30/70 split rear door, which allows space for the full-size spare tire to mount on the larger door. The smaller door on the left is ideal for accessing the cargo area when towing a trailer. Opening both doors creates a wide opening for easy loading and unloading, with 40 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The split rear seats fold down to increase cargo capacity to 71 cubic feet.
Optional utility rails in the floor include four quick-release tie-down rings to better secure loose cargo, and multiple attachments are available for various cargo management systems from Ineos.
Ineos also includes roof rails as standard equipment, or you can opt for the Rhino Rack Roof Rack, which boasts a 330-pound dynamic load capacity and a 925-pound static load, making it ideal for a rooftop tent. The available aluminum ladder mounted to the rear door provides easy access to the roof.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Ineos Grenadier features a unique infotainment system displayed on a 12.3-inch touchscreen mounted high on the center dashboard. This Central Control System also functions as the digital gauge cluster; there is no screen directly in front of the driver. Features include:
The Grenadier's display screen is a good size, but since it serves dual purposes, there isn't as much space for typical infotainment information. The left side of the screen serves as the driver display, displaying speed, RPM, selected gear, fuel level, and other relevant data. Warning lights and indicators for drive modes and vehicle settings appear on a small panel in front of the driver.
Accessing the infotainment system is done through the touchscreen, a controller in the center console, or voice control. The information is organized logically, with a tab menu on the left for Phone, Audio, Settings, and Off-Road. Buttons surrounding the center controller match the tab names, allowing quick access to the specific pages.
While phone and audio pages have a familiar look, the off-road screen is unique, aligning with the Grenadier's adventurous theme. Latitude, longitude, and altitude are clearly displayed, and off-roading statistics, such as distance traveled, average speed, and fuel economy, are shown at the bottom. There's even a graph illustrating altitude changes.
There is no built-in navigation system, but this isn't an issue thanks to standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. I connected my Galaxy S23+, and Android Auto launched easily, giving access to Google Maps and Waze. Music streaming through Spotify sounded excellent on the 24-speaker premium audio system.
Photo: Perry Stern
Under the Grenadier's tall hood is a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine from BMW, generating 282 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, along with the permanent 4WD system.
The Grenadier excels in many areas, but fuel efficiency isn't one of them. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Grenadier Station Wagon is estimated to achieve 15 mpg combined. Interestingly, both city and highway figures are also 15 mpg. During my on-pavement drive with the Grenadier, the trip computer showed 14.6 mpg; however, the fuel economy reading dropped to 10.4 mpg while off-roading.
My Grenadier evaluation took place at the Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year event, held annually at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington. Organizers set up an on-pavement course to test acceleration, braking, and handling, as well as a custom off-road circuit. I also spent time on the scenic roads surrounding the venue.
The Grenadier is quite heavy and not very aerodynamic, and although it has excellent traction from its 4WD system, it isn’t swift off the line. Standard Brembo brakes provide strong stopping power with consistent, predictable results.
I was surprised that the Ineos handled reasonably well on the road. There was some body lean when pushing the big SUV through the slalom or around the corners of the handling course, but it remained stable and confident. However, the steering felt somewhat vague, requiring more input for quick direction changes than I had expected.
Wind and road noise are noticeable but not overly distracting when cruising at highway speeds, and the off-road suspension does a great job of maintaining a smooth and comfortable ride without feeling too bouncy.
But the Grenadier shines when the pavement ends. With 10.4 inches of ground clearance and a wading depth of 31.5 inches, the off-road SUV can handle nearly any rugged terrain. The permanent 4WD provides instant traction, aided by the standard center-locking differential and available front and rear locking differentials.
Standard winter-rated Bridgestone all-terrain tires provide excellent traction in various conditions year-round. However, Ineos outfitted my test vehicle with the optional BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires designed for more extreme terrain.
The off-road course at the Ridge venue offered little challenge to the Grenadier, which easily handled the steep climbs and descents on loose rock and dirt. Traction was excellent, making the Ineos easy to control on the higher-speed dirt and gravel tracks, and the suspension kept the ride smooth over the rough terrain.
I also had the chance to put the Ineos to the test on a very muddy trail in Wisconsin at a different event. With the available low-range gearing and the differentials locked, the Grenadier confidently powered through the deep mud and standing water.
Photo: Perry Stern
Considering the Ineos Grenadier’s price, I expected a more comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The essentials are included, but not much beyond that. Standard ADAS include:
The Ineos does have cruise control, but it isn't adaptive, and a lane-keeping assistance system isn't available.
As of this writing, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crashworthiness data for the Ineos Grenadier.
According to the JD Power 2025 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Chevrolet Tahoe ranks highest in the Large SUV segment. The Toyota Sequoia and the Chevrolet Suburban are the next-highest-ranked models.
According to the JD Power 2024 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the Jeep Wagoneer ranks highest in the Large SUV segment. The GMC Yukon is the next-highest-ranked model.
Other 2025 Grenadier competitors include the Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada.
It's difficult to gauge the demand for an old-school off-road SUV. Still, for customers who prioritize proper all-terrain capability over a cabin filled with digital screens, the Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon is an excellent choice.
The Ineos comes equipped with all the off-road features needed to handle the most challenging terrain, along with the practicality of a true SUV. While the distinctive interior features more buttons and knobs than I've seen in a new vehicle in a long time, it also offers the expected modern conveniences and comfort, making this SUV a pleasure to drive.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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