A Retro-Off-Roader with Modern Class: The 2025 INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster
JOSHUA TREE, Calif.— The 2025 INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster isn’t just another truck—it’s a nostalgia-laden journey back to the roots of off-roading, intertwined with a touch of modernity. This vehicle stands out from the crowd with its character-filled design, featuring cockpit-inspired switches adorning both the dashboard and ceiling console, exuding old-school charisma. For dedicated off-road enthusiasts seeking an analog experience that harks back to the legendary Wranglers, Land Cruisers, and G-Wagens, the Quartermaster is an irresistible offering. It boasts quintessential features like front and rear live axles, recirculating ball steering, a heavy-duty shifter for high and low ranges, and multiple locking differentials.
However, this loveable truck does come with its share of drawbacks, making it impractical for many potential buyers. The price is a significant hurdle. Starting at $86,900, the Quartermaster costs $15,400 more than its SUV counterpart, the Grenadier "station wagon." This steep price hike isn’t due to its extended frame and wheelbase or its lengthy 61.5-inch bed, but it’s tangled in a complicated historical web involving West Germany, President Lyndon B. Johnson, and the infamous "chicken tax."
In the 1960s, the Johnson administration slapped a 25% import tax on commercial vehicles from Europe in retaliation for tariffs on American products like chicken. This tax remained in place long after other tariffs were lifted, making it tough for foreign companies to bring light trucks into the American market—an ordeal the Quartermaster doesn’t circumvent but embraces, akin to a badge of honor.
A Rocky Road to Acceptance
Given its tough sticker price, the Quartermaster is not suited for the broad American market. With a few options, the truck’s price can easily surpass $100,000. There’s no direct competitor in the market combining a pickup bed with this level of off-road capability at this price point. This combination makes it an uphill battle for INEOS in the United States, where such an old-school vehicle may not find a wide audience.
Curiously, the Quartermaster is likely to garner more love in Australia, a country where its design philosophy resonates perfectly with the "ute" culture. Its narrow width, short bed, rugged crew cab, and formidable off-road prowess fit seamlessly into the Australian automotive landscape. INEOS anticipates that 80% of all Grenadier models sold down under will be Quartermasters or chassis cab variants.
The Quartermaster was tested on terrain that might as well have been Australian—sandy paths littered with rocks and undulating surfaces just outside Joshua Tree National Park. The Grenadier’s robust structure performed admirably, absorbing vibrations and maintaining stability under challenging conditions. However, one of its more contentious features, the recirculating ball steering rack, left much to be desired.
Steering and Handling: A Mixed Bag
The recirculating ball steering system has garnered mixed reviews. Some drivers find its lack of self-centering and the stiff feedback at the turn-in point unsettling, especially those accustomed to modern rack-and-pinion systems. This setup’s nostalgic allure may appeal to older or more seasoned off-roaders but could deter younger drivers unfamiliar with its quirks.
On off-road climbs, this steering system reduces the risk of thumb injuries from sudden backlash—a feature appreciated during our rock-crawling sessions. However, modulating the throttle posed its own challenges. There’s a noticeable lag before the engine responds, which can make delicate maneuvers nerve-wracking.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Grenadier Quartermaster packs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six from BMW, paired with an eight-speed transmission from ZF. This combo is good for 281 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.8 seconds. While not rapid by today’s standards, the engine delivers sufficient low-end torque for robust off-road performance. However, the transmission tends to upshift prematurely during uphill drives, lacking the “Sport” mode that many drivers might instinctively seek.
Interior and Utility
Despite the German powertrain, the cabin is distinctly INEOS. Unique toggle switches, inspired by aviation, enhance the vehicle’s throwback charm. The bed of the Quartermaster can carry up to 1,889 pounds, comfortably besting the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Clever touches like the recessed spare tire storage in the bed space offer practical benefits but do consume valuable cargo area. The tailgate lacks the soft-drop feature found in many modern trucks, slamming down with a raw thud.
Inside, the rear seats compromise on comfort with their upright backs and limited legroom. The double-sealed doors require a firm hand to close properly, and the central touchscreen, housing essential vehicle information, suffers visibility issues under harsh sunlight. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, softening some of these ergonomic shortcomings.
Conclusion: A Niche Choice
Ultimately, the Grenadier SUV version will likely attract more buyers in the American market due to its better practicality and similar nostalgic appeal sans the hefty price tag. But for those willing to spend on a unique, personality-filled truck that screams adventure, the Quartermaster remains an intriguing option.
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Jack Carney, Editor, Automotive.fyi
