Upstart British automaker Ineos burst onto the scene in 2022, channeling more than a little classic Land Rover with the launch of its retro-looking and very off-road-ready Grenadier SUV — or “station wagon” in the manufacturer’s terms. Then, the Quartermaster pickup truck variant joined the lineup for 2024, combining the same mechanicals and capability as the “wagon” but with the added utility of a cargo bed. Like the wagon, the pickup’s old-school vibe goes beyond its looks, lending a feel that’s both modern and retro at the same time.
Related: 2024 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Review: A Tonic
The Quartermaster is significantly longer than the SUV, and that’s not just due to the addition of the 61.5-inch bed; it gains 12 inches of wheelbase compared to the wagon, making for a slightly improved ride, if at the cost of reduced maneuverability in tight spots. Other than that, the two are very similar and quite unlike virtually any other new vehicle on the road. However, the Ineos’ impressive capability off-road makes for a less refined experience on pavement.
Cars.com West Coast Bureau Chief Conner Golden traveled to Joshua Tree National Park to get to know a Grenadier Quartermaster pickup in the wild, and he came away impressed with its build quality and off-road prowess. (Per our ethics policy, Cars.com pays for its own travel and lodging when attending manufacturer-sponsored events.) Tap the link above for Golden’s expert review, or for a quicker look, read on for five things we like about the 2024 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster and two things we don’t.
What Do We Like About the Grenadier Quartermaster?
1. Distinctively Different
In an era when many vehicles are packaged and marketed as capable of being all things to all people, the Grenadier is uniquely focused, and that in itself is refreshing, even if neither version is necessarily the vehicle for you. While the Quartermaster is just as capable on the Rubicon trail as its wagon stablemate, that comes at a cost in on-road refinement and driving engagement compared to some alternatives.
2. Smooth Powertrain
All Grenadiers are powered by a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine sourced from BMW and specially tuned for Grenadier duty. Matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain delivers the necessary grunt for poking along a rocky trail while also providing smooth and more than adequate power for easy highway merging. Ineos claims a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 8.8 seconds.
3. Analog Aplenty
The cabin is as analog as they come, and it’s covered with banks of big, hefty switches and knobs on the console, dash and ceiling to operate everything from the lights, climate controls and off-road functions. There is also a 12.3-inch center touchscreen, but it is used largely for infotainment and ancillary functions.
4. Off-Road Ready
Rather than offering a selection of modes for venturing into the boonies, the four-wheel-drive Grenadier keeps it simple with just one appropriately named Off-Road mode. Activating it turns off various driver-assistance features and enables locking the differentials, making the Quartermaster one of the most rugged and capable off-roaders you can buy.
5. Quality Interior
The Quartermaster may not have an upscale cabin in the traditional sense, forgoing even standard carpeting in the base trim in favor of an interior that can be hosed out. But carpeting does come with other trims, along with other creature comforts like leather upholstery and heated seats. What the Grenadier does bring to the table, however, is solid construction with quality materials. Everything you touch feels solid and well built, and the cabin remains free of creaks and groans even over the roughest terrain.
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What Do We Dislike About the Grenadier Quartermaster?
1. Steering Feel
The Grenadier is an off-roading champ with its body-on-frame construction, solid axles and recirculating-ball power steering, but that capability does not make for an ideal on-pavement experience. The Quartermaster requires lots of steering correction on the highway, and the steering feels numb and does not self-center. There’s also a fair bit of road noise in the cabin. That said, the Quartermaster’s additional foot of wheelbase makes for a smoother ride than in the Grenadier wagon. That old-fashioned yet robust power-steering setup is a good choice for off-roading, however, and is less likely to pull the wheel from your hands when on the trail than a rack and pinion system.
2. Speed Warning
One feature we never got used to is the Grenadier’s Intelligent Speed Assistance, an EU-mandated safety feature that plays audible clicks whenever the driver exceeds the speed limit. It can be turned off through the touchscreen, but you’ll need to do it every time you shut off and restart the engine. Ineos says they’re working on a solution for the U.S.
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