2025 Ineos Grenadier and Quartermaster First Drive Review: Throwback Style For Off-Road Adventures

Ineos Automotive is a relative newcomer to the automotive scene, but Ineos Group has been around far longer. It’s a British oil and chemical company led by Jim Ratcliffe. The man has a taste for adventure and the Ineos Automotive brand is his attempt to build vehicles for the off-road enthusiast with a more back-to-basics approach. It’s not all about fancy tech, massive infotainment screens, and more gadgetry than anyone will ever use. Instead, it’s about building rugged, off-road-worthy vehicles that combine their capability with something of an old-school style. The first two vehicles in the lineup are the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster truck. We had a chance to take both out for an on-road and off-road drive in snowy Aspen, Colorado.

Outside, they have a definite Defender vibe, so much so that Land Rover took them to court for IP infringement. It was a suit Ineos won, but it’s hard to deny the similarities. Inside is where they are entirely different. This isn’t a luxury vehicle with opulent amenities like massaging, 20-way adjustable front seats or an overabundance of technology – although there are plenty of custom options and one-offs that crank up the luxury. It’s surprisingly utilitarian with a rugged look and feel. It includes controls on the center console and over your head that would look right at home in the cockpit of a plane, but are incredibly simple and straightforward when you’re out on the trail. The Grenadier SUV, which the brand calls a “station wagon”, and the Quartermaster truck are essentially the same in style and features, with the truck simply adding a bed to the back. Both offer a truly unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

First Drive events provide our initial impressions of a vehicle in a restricted environment under certain time constraints. Keep an eye on DrivingOnRoad for our comprehensive Test Drive review which will follow soon.

What’s Changed For This Model Year

The Grenadier arrived in the US just last year and is largely unchanged for 2025. There are, however, some limited editions that add the frills that the standard lineup does not include. The Quartermaster, which was slightly delayed, is all-new with deliveries expected in the second quarter of this year. From the front, the two are tough to tell apart. It’s only in profile or from the back that you see the difference.

Exterior Looks: Rugged Charm That Means Business

The Grenadier and Quartermaster don’t mess around trying to look sleek and streamlined. Instead, they have a squared-off, get-it-done style. Both have an upright grille and round LED headlights up front. In the back, things differ, with the Quartermaster featuring a bed, while the Grenadier gets a ladder for easy roof access and 30/70 split rear doors that open left/right rather than up/down. This makes accessing cargo easy in tight quarters and helps reduce the chance things will tumble out if you’ve been enjoying a more aggressive off-road drive.

Interior: Tough Love

Open the door, and it’s clear the Grenadier and Quartermaster are all about getting the job done. Their cabs are basically twins with the same layout and same dimensions. The Quartermaster’s truck bed is what sets it apart, not the passenger space. The seating position is high, so you get a clear view of the road and there’s a dashboard full of chunky switches. They’re also over your head, within easy reach and clearly labeled. No need to take off your gloves. These switches are easy to mash in the middle of off-road maneuvers. And as a nod to the British professional racing team owned by Ratcliffe, there’s both a standard horn and a softer bicycle horn activated by a red button on the steering wheel.

Room-wise, the front is generous with 39.3 inches of headroom and 39.6 inches of legroom, but the rear feels pinched at 30.4 inches of legroom. Whoever is in the middle is going to struggle to get their legs comfortably positioned. The standard Recaro seats provide just the right amount of bolstering for off-road drives with optional leather to make your rugged setup more civilized. Trim quality is solid with materials that look and feel durable. It’s more workhorse than luxury cruiser by design. It’s practical and comfy, just don’t expect a plush palace that screams premium.

There’s also good room for cargo. The Grenadier has 71.8 cubic feet behind the front seat with 40.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, while the Quartermaster has a 61.5-inch bed. Both offer a max payload of 1,889 pounds and max towing of 7,716 pounds.

Infotainment: Less Is More

While other automakers pack their vehicles with all the tech they can manage, Ineos is keeping it simple. It offers just what you need, nothing more and nothing less, and it’s a refreshing change. There’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s easy to reach, but the resolution and contrast make it tough to see in bright light. Wireless charging isn’t available, but you do get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also charging ports in the center console storage bin that are unfortunately a bit awkward to reach. Overall, it’s a solid setup, but if you have the need for screens everywhere, you’ll be disappointed. If, however, you’re tired of all the flash, then you’re going to love it.

Powertrain & Driving: Comfortable Cruiser, Capable Off-Road

Both the Grenadier and Quartermaster are powered by a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine with 281 horsepower, 331 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case. The gear shift is sourced from BMW as well, and it’s somewhat out of place with its sleek design. Something rugged and unique like every other control would be a better fit. There were plans for an electric model called the Fusilier, but those plans are currently on hold.

On-road, it was surprisingly well-mannered for an off-roader. Taking this on a long-distance trip wouldn’t be a chore, although potholes will announce their presence. Road and wind noise are well-controlled, and the ride is smooth. You’ll know it’s an off-road vehicle but not in an intrusive or annoying way. Steering is a bit different with a recirculating ball rather than a rack and pinion setup. You’ll notice when you turn the wheel sharply it doesn’t attempt to return to center. This simply means you need to get used to turning it fully back to center yourself without assistance. It’s a small adjustment that quickly becomes intuitive.

Off-road, we drove a course with snow, mud, steep climbs, and descents. Both vehicles managed those challenges with ease. The throttle is easy to control to get just enough power without spinning the wheels, making the drive easy to enjoy. This is really where the Grenadier and Quartermaster shine. Even a small water crossing with slick rocks and mud on the other side was no problem at all.

Verdict & Pricing: A Premium Player For The Wild

The Grenadier and Quartermaster are capable vehicles for off-road purists. They have functional interiors without the frills to take you wherever you want to go, although you can option things like leather for a premium. Pricing starts at $75,100 for the Grenadier with the Fieldmaster and Trailmaster at $83,100 and the limited-edition 1924 topping the lineup at $86,950. The Quartermaster comes in with a starting price of $83,900 with the Trailmaster and Fieldmaster at $94,900. Add another $1,600 to all trims for destination.

After a day with the Grenadier and Quartermaster, it’s easy to see their appeal. There are other off-road SUVs with lower prices, but they combine their capability with very modern designs and an abundance of technology. That’s not the Ineos vibe. It offers throwback appeal with plenty of capability without the unnecessary extras to distract from the adventure.