Agreed. The Rubicon Jeep I had was an incredibly capable 4x4, but was limited to 850 lbs payload. The new Jeeps have more, but I went for a 1550 lbs payload midsize truck. I love it and it’s incredibly capable, but we both miss the “crawl in the back the right way to sleep” convenience of a wagon. The only other platform on the market that fit my needs is the New Defender and I love those. I am also a huge fan of the gladiator, but would have to spend big on a camper to get what I want, so if the Ineos doesn’t work out they are the runners up.
But, I strongly prefer the simplicity of the Ineos design as compared to the ND. It seems they are taking a more “user fixable” approach, even commenting on a parts distribution model that includes online workshop manuals with 3D exploded diagrams. That’s a far cry from a $500 workshop manual, if a modern car maker would even sell one (some do, some don’t).
I also like the useability - like the cubby to stuff things under the seat. That is BRILLIANT. I’ve had to repair a number of soft shells because they got stuck in a seat mechanism but in the bush I’m always slipping in and out of it, and I always stuff it down beside or behind the seat. That’s the best place to put it. The Ineos has a cubby There and no one else does. That shows a real good attention to user needs in my book.
Im optimistic that this vehicle will meet my needs. Still a lot of barriers - like if I’ll be able to get one in Canada - but I’m hopeful that this will be my next vehicle purchase.