Hello from Phoenix as a hopeful Grenadier owner!

[Slov]

Hey mates,

Im here in Phoenix, Arizona and I have been following the Ineos forums for a while. I'm a US Army veteran too and a young buck at 29. If you're a Military Veteran, feel free to reach out to me also! I work in Software now. I decided to make an account and due to my lifestyle of adventure, my current wanna-be overlanding with my Subaru forester (which is remarkably capable stock I might add, haha) being stressed to its limits, and somehow trying to haul a dirt bike on the back of my hitch receiver. Dirtbikes are a big part of my life and I ride them all the time. I've really outgrown the Subaru Forester and it's time to upgrade to a rugged body on frame SUV that will last me the test of time. I have an extended 24 hour test drive with a Grenadier this weekend and I am really looking forward to this after my initial one I did a few weeks ago with my salesman.

Mainly, I'm looking for a do it all adventure rig to go 4x4 exploring, overlanding, and haul the dirt bike on a receiver hitch as I travel all over the Western US. My Golden Retriever pup will be in the cockpit next to me, or in his crate in the back. I am expecting to place my order this Sunday for one as long as I dont have any major concerns. That way I get a position on the 6 month build time and delivery just in time for my 30th birthday in January.

So, far, what I have LOVED the most about the Grenadier were the door slams and build quality prior to my first test drive. Everything to me just feels solid. I test drove an LC250 Prado as the main contender to this, and the doors felt so cheap. Not to trash the Landcuiser, it's probably a great vehicle, but that feature alone has really stuck with me along with the rear doors instead of a hatch. I cant forget the fighter pilot like interior and "cockpit." Anyways, theres a ton of research I need to do. I look forward to interacting with and learning from all you guys, your tales, and how to implement mods on a vehicle inspires us all to get out there, explore and LIVE!

 

[CrazyOldMan]

What are your spec ideas?

 

[ADVAW8S]

Go Quartermaster and you can carry the dirt bike in the tube.

 

[Slov]

Go Quartermaster and you can carry the dirt bike in the tube.

Do you think the "chicken tax" is worth it over US pick ups? I figured heavier springs in the back would suffice since a dirt bike is about 250 lbs for me

 

[Slov]

What are your spec ideas?

Can you explain further? What in terms of spec? In the US we only get one model unless you mean the trim and upgrades I want to do? I'm aiming for the SUV version in the Trialmaster trim with the Safari windows and leather interior. I'm in between Magic Mushroom and Scottish White for colors! The contrast elements seem to pop on the Silver, White and Mushroom colors compared to darker ones.

I think I'll put my 110lb FSR Aspen Lite RTT on top for those trips with 2 people and my pup, but sleeping in the cab on single adventures with my pup.

 

[ADVAW8S]

Do you think the "chicken tax" is worth it over US pick ups? I figured heavier springs in the back would suffice since a dirt bike is about 250 lbs for me

The answer to the question is "Yes, I do'

 

[Slov]

The answer to the question is "Yes, I do'

That is a bad *ss Quartermaster. Is that a soft topper on the back? Do you sleep in that or is it to keep most dust off your gear?

 

[ADVAW8S]

That is a bad *ss Quartermaster. Is that a soft topper on the back? Do you sleep in that or is it to keep most dust off your gear?

That is the factory canvas canopy offering from Ineos. It does a great job of keeping rain and dust out of the tub. I still need to seal a couple areas like the gap between the bed and tailgate.

Camping season is starting in the PNW and need to get my daughter who is 2 up to speed with camping but goal is to sleep in the back. It's a 5 foot bed but when you measure diagonal, you get 87 inches. More than enough space to sleep.

 

[74CampySuperRecord]

Welcome, Slov.

I love my Grenadier. That being said, I should have held out for the Quartermaster.

I am happy.

 

[Emil]

That is the factory canvas canopy offering from Ineos. It does a great job of keeping rain and dust out of the tub. I still need to seal a couple areas like the gap between the bed and tailgate.

Camping season is starting in the PNW and need to get my daughter who is 2 up to speed with camping but goal is to sleep in the back. It's a 5 foot bed but when you measure diagonal, you get 87 inches. More than enough space to sleep.

Considering to sleep in the back too but only once in a while as an emergency solution (no real camping, no permanent fixtures). Please share pictures once you will have come up with your solution.

 

[Slov]

So, I have been driving it for the past 5 hours or so and I am very impressed.

Things I love:
1. Planted feeling on the highway and road.
2. Visibility in traffic due to the 10 inch ground clearance.
3. V6 is not underpowered and is no slouch on the highway.
4. Very comfortable for cruising and actually more comfortable arm rest than my forester. The seats are great. Good support.
5. I love the switches and how tactile they are
6. Door closing solid feel, especially with the barn cargo doors.
7. Cargo doors. Very convenient for getting small things like grocery bags for the store, loading a full one and sliding it to the side.
8. On road performance - For an off road focused 4x4, if it performs this solid on road with refined characteristics, I can only imagine how it would perform off road. I'm just not allowed to do that for this test drive, haha. I have to stick to Youtube videos for that one.

Things Im not bothered by / indifferent about:
1. The steering - I got used to it pretty quickly and I dont think it's bad at all. I just have to steer the wheel back more to center. Its neither bad nor good and understand why this design was chosen, prioritizing off road prowess. I think a steering stabilizer could help if I'm really bothered by it in the future, but as of right now, it was still great to drive around town and on the highway.

2. Vehicle height - Being a great thing on road for visibility as stated above, does have a draw back slightly. It's not cumbersome, but something I do have to work around. I have to pick my service dog up all the time to load him in the back taking him in and out of the stores with me. So, a set of collapsable stairs into the rear seats or cargo area are going to be a necessity for me. I'd also like a step/ rock slider of some kind to make getting in and out easier. The go to solution is an Agile Off Road or Owl Vans rock slider.

3. Air conditioning- I dont know if it's me, but sometimes it works great and other times it's so-so even at full blast and the coldest temperature. I am wondering if anyone faced this before or since I am in Phoenix, and it's 100+ out, maybe it just doesn't hold heat the best? I am driving the Inky Black version in this temp after all, haha.

Things I don't like:
1. The front rake- I am 6'1 and noticed that at stop lights it's hard to see traffic lights when I am at the front of the line. I have to hunch down, and I remembered the vehicle has a front rake. I am wondering if a leveling kit at 1.2 inches in the front and 0 inches in the rear would solve this. Instead of looking slightly down, I would be looking straight ahead.

EDIT- I figured out that the visors are what actually are blocking my view in regards to number one. The Owl Vans tinted see through visors would certainly solve this issue. I also tilted my seat back slightly more and that seemed to help. I can see traffic lights clearly now, but I am certainly used to a more upright position and the front rake kind of threw me off. I think a leveling kit could still help this, but it's more of a nice to have than a necessary personal fix due to height.

2. Cup holders - Tiny and must be for plastic water bottles only. I cant fit a slim hydroflask bottle in there. I know there are cheap and fancy solutions. An easy work around!

3. Mirrors- visibility in them isn't the best but workable, but I know the smaller mirrors are for function and being tight on the trails. I think the Owl Vans convex mirrors would fix this issue.

4. The height- being great in some areas and indifferent in others, the only downside is parking garage clearance. This vehicle is 6 feet 8 inches. Most parking garages are 7-8 feet as standard and so is my apartment garage. I would be fine with a leveling kit, but if I add 33 inch tires... I am cutting it close with 2-3 inches to spare of room since 33 inch tires add 1 inch of ride height compared to the stock 31 inch tires. So, I cant have a rack on my vehicle unless I park outside all the time.

Overall, most of the dislikes can be fixed but the one that cant would be the height with parking garages or standard garage height. However, I dont even think I'd need a roof rack most of the time in day to day life and most gear could fit in the cargo area, or on the sides with molle plates, or the ladder (recovery boards strapped on when actually using them).

I'd love to get your experienced opinions on what I'm facing and if work arounds have been accomplished if any of these issues are corroborated. Overall, I really like the vehicle and love it in many aspects. Hell, I had one lady come up to me and loved how unique and cool it was. The Grenadier is certainly a has character, and that is one things I do love about it. The soul is one big reason of owning something like this from what I can see if I decide to buy one!

 

[Slov]

Welcome, Slov.

I love my Grenadier. That being said, I should have held out for the Quartermaster.

I am happy.

Sounds like if I get one I should start meeting the Arizona crew. It seems theres plenty of Grenadier owners out here and I am in North Scottsdale!

 

[ColoradoMike]

Welcome @Slov !!!

I have been thru MANY off road vehicles over the past three decades of actually wheeling and I KNOW you are doing your research! KUDOS!

Hey mates,

Im here in Phoenix, Arizona and I have been following the Ineos forums for a while. I'm a US Army veteran too and a young buck at 29. If you're a Military Veteran, feel free to reach out to me also! I work in Software now. I decided to make an account and due to my lifestyle of adventure, my current wanna-be overlanding with my Subaru forester (which is remarkably capable stock I might add, haha) being stressed to its limits, and somehow trying to haul a dirt bike on the back of my hitch receiver. Dirtbikes are a big part of my life and I ride them all the time. I've really outgrown the Subaru Forester and it's time to upgrade to a rugged body on frame SUV that will last me the test of time. I have an extended 24 hour test drive with a Grenadier this weekend and I am really looking forward to this after my initial one I did a few weeks ago with my salesman.

Mainly, I'm looking for a do it all adventure rig to go 4x4 exploring, overlanding, and haul the dirt bike on a receiver hitch as I travel all over the Western US. My Golden Retriever pup will be in the cockpit next to me, or in his crate in the back. I am expecting to place my order this Sunday for one as long as I dont have any major concerns. That way I get a position on the 6 month build time and delivery just in time for my 30th birthday in January.

So, far, what I have LOVED the most about the Grenadier were the door slams and build quality prior to my first test drive. Everything to me just feels solid. I test drove an LC250 Prado as the main contender to this, and the doors felt so cheap. Not to trash the Landcuiser, it's probably a great vehicle, but that feature alone has really stuck with me along with the rear doors instead of a hatch. I cant forget the fighter pilot like interior and "cockpit." Anyways, theres a ton of research I need to do. I look forward to interacting with and learning from all you guys, your tales, and how to implement mods on a vehicle inspires us all to get out there, explore and LIVE!

SOOOO .....

You should look at all of the reasons you want a vehicle. From what I gather from your post you want something that is a capable vehicle for off roading and carrying a dirt bike....or two

While folks have suggested the Quartermaster....I have not tested one. What I do know from my previous rigs is that lifestyle CHANGES over the years. I went from an '88 Bronco to a Jeep 93yj then to a 2019 Toyota Tacoma to now the Grenadier.

For us....the added space INSIDE, aka the Grenadier "Station Wagon", worked superbly for us. Gone are the days of dealing with truck beds and comfort. The Grenadier simply fit our needs.

You mentioned your Golden pup....he will love WHATEVER your vehicle is! WE haul our two dogs everywhere in the Grenadier on off road trips to multiple trips from Colorado to Maine and back and Colorado to Florida. Our two 45 pound pups LOVE the Grenadier.

Specifically, we love the interior space and not having to deal with a truck bed. Been there done that and we prefer the added interior space.

I wish you the best of luck!

From a Retired Vet....you will love whatever you get! ENJOY The journey!

PS....from all the HATERS of the Grenadier we have had ZERO issues with ours and at almost 8k miles since Sep 2024 we have not had an issue.