by Michael Satterfield - 11/18/2024
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is a modern take on classic off-road trucks, offering a blend of rugged heritage and contemporary engineering. This extended-bed version of the Grenadier SUV is purpose-built for enthusiasts who demand versatility, durability, and capability. To test its mettle, we embarked on a cross-country road trip from Groesbeck, Texas, to Las Vegas, Nevada, towing our Meyers Manxter 2+2 dune buggy that would be unveiled officially at the SEMA Show.
This journey provided a thorough evaluation of the Quartermaster's capabilities. The truck did almost everything right from its powerful towing performance to its comfort over long miles. However, a few quirks—the large turning radius, an occasionally inaccurate overspeed warning system, and the lack of light near the ignition switch—reminded us that while no vehicle is perfect, the Quartermaster is a solid first attempt from a brand new company building its first truck.
The Quartermaster’s design is a nod to the golden age of utilitarian off-roaders, borrowing cues from iconic vehicles like the Land Rover Defender and G-Wagon. Its boxy silhouette, prominent grille, and no-nonsense stance give it a rugged charm that drew attention wherever we went. Compared to the Grenadier SUV, the Quartermaster’s wheelbase is stretched by 12 inches, creating a longer platform to accommodate its 5.2-foot bed. This extended bed offers ample space for tools, gear, and extra luggage, considering the cabin has much room for gear.
The build quality is remarkable. The truck tips the scales at just under 6,000 pounds, reflecting the heavy-duty materials and robust engineering behind it. The cabin continues the utilitarian theme but incorporates thoughtful touches. The dashboard is equipped with large, tactile buttons and an overhead console, mimicking an aircraft cockpit for easy control access, even with gloves on. The Quartermaster has an impressive towing capacity of 7,716 lbs putting it on par with most midsize SUVs and smaller trucks. Much of this is due to the BMW inline 6-cylinder engine, which didn't have any issues on our trip, but a diesel option would have likely done better through the mountains.
Towing the Meyers Manxter, which weighs just over 1,600 pounds, plus the trailer, was a breeze. The Quartermaster’s 7,716-pound towing capacity ensured there was plenty of reserve power for acceleration and stability. Even on uneven terrain, the trailer remained well-controlled thanks to the Grenadier’s advanced suspension system.
Inside, the Recaro seats stood out for their comfort and support during our long days behind the wheel; turning on the heated seats was nice after several hours on the road. The cabin materials are designed for durability, featuring washable surfaces and rubberized flooring—ideal for both work and play.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is powered by a BMW 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 282 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant and an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive provided smooth and consistent performance throughout our journey. The truck felt planted and confident when cruising on open highways or managing inclines with a loaded trailer.
One limitation we encountered was the truck’s turning radius, which felt wide for a vehicle of this size. Navigating tight parking lots and making U-turns required more thought and space, adding occasional frustration. However, on the open road, the Quartermaster’s steering was responsive and predictable, making highway miles fly by.
Fuel efficiency isn’t the Quartermaster’s strong suit, but that’s to be expected for a truck of its weight and capability. We averaged about 13 miles per gallon during our trip while towing, including highway driving and short detours onto gravel paths. With a 23.8-gallon fuel tank, the range is respectable, but cross-country travelers who are towing should plan for frequent stops at the pump.
Despite its old-school vibe, the Quartermaster is equipped with plenty of modern tech. The high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making navigation and media playback straightforward. The interface is simple and functional, but the graphics aren’t as polished as those of some competitors.
A few areas for improvement became apparent. The overspeed warning system occasionally miscalculated the posted speed limit, resulting in unnecessary alerts. While not a significant issue, it became a minor distraction on long stretches of highway. Additionally, the lack of light near the ignition switch made locating the keyhole in the dark tricky—a small but noticeable oversight that could easily be fixed in future models.
While this trip focused on towing and highway driving, the Quartermaster’s off-road pedigree was evident. Built on a ladder-frame chassis with beam axles and full-time four-wheel drive, it’s designed to handle rugged terrain. The truck’s high ground clearance and short overhangs enhance its ability to navigate obstacles like rocks and ditches.
During a few rest stops in the desert, we veered off-road to stretch the Quartermaster’s legs. It confidently tackled uneven terrain and sandy patches, proving it’s more than a highway hauler. The locking differentials and low-range gearing further cement its credentials as a go-anywhere truck.
The 5.2-foot bed was the perfect size for hauling the Meyers Manxter, with room to spare for tie-downs and additional gear. The tie-down points were well-placed, making it easy to secure the load. Cabin storage is generous, with large door pockets and a center console big enough to stow water bottles, maps, and snacks. For travelers and adventurers, these thoughtful touches make a big difference.
No vehicle is without flaws, and the Grenadier Quartermaster is no exception. As mentioned, the wide turning radius can make maneuvering in tight spaces more challenging than necessary. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something drivers will need to adapt to. For the price point, if towing is something you are going to be doing more often than off-roading, you should consider a more traditional pickup truck with a higher towing capacity and gearing that is more focused on highway hauling.
The overspeed warning system, while useful in theory, proved inconsistent at times. It occasionally misread speed limits, issuing warnings when none were needed. This is a minor inconvenience but could become annoying on long trips, it can be turned off, but you will need to turn it off every time you restart the car.
Finally, the lack of illumination near the ignition switch stood out during nighttime stops. Finding the keyhole in the dark required fumbling or using a phone flashlight. A simple LED light near the ignition, or just going to a push button starter, would greatly improve usability.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is a rugged, reliable truck that performs as promised. Its towing capacity, off-road capability, and comfortable cabin make it a versatile choice for adventurers, tradespeople, and enthusiasts. While it’s not without its quirks— on our cross-country trip to the SEMA Show, the Quartermaster proved its worth. It towed the Meyers Manxter with ease, handled the open road with confidence, and offered a comfortable space to spend long hours behind the wheel. For those who appreciate the blend of old-school charm and modern engineering, the Quartermaster is a truck that gets the job done—and looks good doing it. You also need to be prepared to have conversations at every gas station and restaurant you stop at...
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