Americas So how's your Grenadier Really and what could make it better (elevator pitch time)

[Pittsaero]

My first impressions in 250 miles is all positive. My perspective may be a little off because my last off roader was a 1972 lifted Chevy Blazer with 38’s. The Grenadier is amazing. Smooth and quiet on the road. Seats are comfortable. Steering is fine for me. Turning radius isn’t any worse than my Chevy was. Diff locks go in and out without any issues. Transfer case goes in and out of low and center lock way better than my old one. I covered the airbag lights in the roof console with tape. I turn off the auto stop and speed limit warning each time I start. The other chimes I can turn off if I turn the ADAS off completely but I am already used to the single chime that happen for reasons I don’t quite understand yet. Can’t wait to get it off road and see what it is capable of.

 

[jrmack88]

So I was thinking the other day, if I stepped into an elevator by chance with Greg, Liz and Sir Jim what would I say about the Grenadier rollout for NA.

(back in the real world theres a good chance that we can get a document in front of the people that make the decisions)


Elevator pitch time so keep it concise.

The good bits (feel free to offer suggestions to improve things)

• Positive aspects of the vehicle and why you chose the Grenadier.
• Positive aspects of the process of how things are done at IA.
• The information that was delivered which was most helpful or valuable.
• The best dealer practices and examples of dealers going that bit further in delivering your Grenadier.

The bad bits (feel free to give suggestions of improvements)

• Product issues with the Grenadier.
• Process issues with how things are handled by IA
• The information that was/is lacking.
• Dealer issues

So don't pull your punches and be honest with your experiences as Grenadier owners.

I have a 2024, glare on the backup camera is horrible, should have tilted the screen slightly toward the driver. my passenger side power window switch does not work, and seems to be some gremlins in the software operating the heat/ac. absolutely love the vehicle, would like to see a network of approved repair/warrantee shops somewhat closer than 4-5 hours away. accessories are difficult to find but with time I am sure that will improve. so far so good!

 

[Mjolnirs]

Just watched our Aussie boys tackle Moab. Wondered when we'll see a lifted and tyred Grenadier there?

Good luck to you, some things are ment to be. Sure is a looker. Get your wife that fieldmaster, they'll sure look sweet in your driveway.

 

[Tazzieman]

Good luck to you, some things are ment to be. Sure is a looker. Get your wife that fieldmaster, they'll sure look sweet in your driveway.

A most peculiar comment

 

[bradshow]

There’s a few small details I would change but I absolutely love the vehicle. I had a Mercedes GLE prior and I have zero complaints on how it drives. I’ve seen people complain about the speed alert but it’s so easy to turn off if you add it to favorites. I could not be happier and I’ve never liked a vehicle more than this one.

 

[Max]

A most peculiar comment

I honestly thought it was a comment for another post?...weird

 

[Tazzieman]

I honestly thought it was a comment for another post?...weird

It seemed a bit random when quoting my post!

 

[bikesandguitars]

Good luck to you, some things are ment to be. Sure is a looker. Get your wife that fieldmaster, they'll sure look sweet in your driveway.

Thanks! I guess it was meant to be - because it is! My wife drove mine today and is 100% on the Fieldmaster. just waiting for it to arrive.

 

[Lars]

Adding to my previous list...Just went off-road. Did you know the backup camera doesn't work in Off Road Mode? What software engineer approved that saying "No one needs to see what's behind them when they're off road!"
Seriously...What were they thinking?

 

[Bruce]

Adding to my previous list...Just went off-road. Did you know the backup camera doesn't work in Off Road Mode? What software engineer approved that saying "No one needs to see what's behind them when they're off road!"
Seriously...What were they thinking?

I believe you can turn it on in settings. Look for a toggle marked RVC.

 

[Mountain4x4]

Just watched our Aussie boys tackle Moab. Wondered when we'll see a lifted and tyred Grenadier there?

I did not know they had it up yet, cannot wait to watch it. Moab would be perfect, its mostly easy stuff that does not do body damage. Think ledges instead of boulders. Moab trails may be the one place you get away with small tires more easily. I was thinking a spring 2025 gathering so folks have time to get there rigs and do a few mods. Thinking of starting in Colorado with the Rim Rocker trail and heading over to Moab then south.

 

[stickshifter]

Adding to my previous list...Just went off-road. Did you know the backup camera doesn't work in Off Road Mode? What software engineer approved that saying "No one needs to see what's behind them when they're off road!"
Seriously...What were they thinking?

Yeah - this is a bit of an oversight - especially given the limited visibility out the rear window, and the slightly undersized side mirrors (undersized given the poor visibility out the rear window). On one of my off-road test drives I got out of the vehicle and walked around to the back to avoid backing the rear skid plate into a rock. I've become quite attached to my backup camera.

I've heard that you can turn-on the backup camera in "Settings" - but current owners can weigh in on that. If so - problem solved.

Otherwise, it will need to be addressed either through (1) a software update, (2) an aftermarket device similar to the Tazer ($329) or the AEV ProCal ($225) for Jeeps or the FORScan for Fords, or (3) the owner can install an aftermarket camera wired to the rear view mirror. There is a thread on this forum about the WOLFBOX, one of the most popular aftermarket cameras: https://www.theineosforum.com/threads/wolf-box.12414017/

Option #1 will be free, while options #2 and #3 will cost an owner money.

 

[Mountain4x4]

I do not have ours yet, but from what I have seen and hear on the forums, and applying filters to some things;

1. Larger tires, 33" with clear path to 35s.
2. Lower t case gears
3. Aftermarket provisions for lower ring and pinons developed knowing larger tires are coming for many owners. ( just so we can pick them up easily when the day comes)
4. Sway Bar Disconnects, like lockers its just basic gear now
5. Off road 360 Cameras, again everyone is doing them.
6. Better cup holders
7. More USB outlets
8. Mount system for phone or other devices such as the Bronco comes with
9. More Thorough testing, clearly a lot was missed
10. Better thought out center screen and ADAS development
11. On Board Air option
12. Better battery system with complete solar provision
13. Still on fence with engine, time will tell.

 

[Krabby]

I do not have ours yet, but from what I have seen and hear on the forums, and applying filters to some things;

1. Larger tires, 33" with clear path to 35s.
2. Lower t case gears
3. Aftermarket provisions for lower ring and pinons developed knowing larger tires are coming for many owners. ( just so we can pick them up easily when the day comes)
4. Sway Bar Disconnects, like lockers its just basic gear now
5. Off road 360 Cameras, again everyone is doing them.
6. Better cup holders
7. More USB outlets
8. Mount system for phone or other devices such as the Bronco comes with
9. More Thorough testing, clearly a lot was missed
10. Better thought out center screen and ADAS development
11. On Board Air option
12. Better battery system with complete solar provision
13. Still on fence with engine, time will tell.

1-10 can be found at your local Jeep or Ford dealer.

I say that not to be snarky, but vehicles that tic all those boxes are already sold in the US. They may not have other attributes unique to the Grenadier, but those 10 things can be easily found (and options for 11 are handled quite well by the AM community).

 

[bikesandguitars]

One of the most problematic features on Jeeps and Broncos are the anti-sway bar disconnects. I put aftermarket manual disconnects on my Bronco but took them off after a short period as I noticed they were wearing unevenly. I have to think the Ineos folks were thinking of reliability over rock crawling.

 

[stickshifter]

One of the most problematic features on Jeeps and Broncos are the anti-sway bar disconnects. I put aftermarket manual disconnects on my Bronco but took them off after a short period as I noticed they were wearing unevenly. I have to think the Ineos folks were thinking of reliability over rock crawling.

Yeah - the electronic disconnect in the Jeep and Ram is known to experience failure if the electric motor gets submerged in water. They need to fix that for sure. I'm not familiar with the one in the Bronco.

Most people have a much better experience with manual disconnects. There are four that I know of, and probably a couple I've never heard of:

Currie AntiRock ($600-$1400 depending on options)
ORO SwayLOC (~$800)
Evo No Limits Manual Sway Bar Disconnect ($112)
Terraflex Quick Disconnects ($174)

I have a few questions - if you don't mind:

1 - Which manual sway bar disconnect did you install?
2 - How long was it before you noticed uneven wear?
3 - What part wore unevenly?
4 - Could you have replaced the worn part or would you need to replace the whole kit?

Often, performance parts need more frequent maintenance than stock parts, or might need more frequent replacement. Its that old idiom "you have to pay to play". So it might come down to how long the parts lasted, and was it worth it to you to have a disconnecting sway bar. If the answer is "yes" the performance was worth the cost (in terms of $ and time), then you just replace the worn parts every X number of years, and think of it like an oil change.

Another analogy that might seem more relevant than on oil change: I've got a performance suspension on my truck. It is awesome. It performs way better than stock both on road and off road. However, sometimes it squeaks - and that is really annoying - and I've had to rebuild two shocks, and replace two joints on the upper control arms (54,000 miles on the truck). I would not have had to do any of that work if I had kept the stock suspension. Has it been worth it to me? Absolutely yes - both in terms of the cost of the suspension, and the cost and time involved in maintenance.

 

[bikesandguitars]

Yeah - the electronic disconnect in the Jeep and Ram is known to experience failure if the electric motor gets submerged in water. They need to fix that for sure. I'm not familiar with the one in the Bronco.

Most people have a much better experience with manual disconnects. There are four that I know of, and probably a couple I've never heard of:

Currie AntiRock ($600-$1400 depending on options)
ORO SwayLOC (~$800)
Evo No Limits Manual Sway Bar Disconnect ($112)
Terraflex Quick Disconnects ($174)

I have a few questions - if you don't mind:

1 - Which manual sway bar disconnect did you install?
2 - How long was it before you noticed uneven wear?
3 - What part wore unevenly?
4 - Could you have replaced the worn part or would you need to replace the whole kit?

Often, performance parts need more frequent maintenance than stock parts, or might need more frequent replacement. Its that old idiom "you have to pay to play". So it might come down to how long the parts lasted, and was it worth it to you to have a disconnecting sway bar. If the answer is "yes" the performance was worth the cost (in terms of $ and time), then you just replace the worn parts every X number of years, and think of it like an oil change.

Another analogy that might seem more relevant than on oil change: I've got a performance suspension on my truck. It is awesome. It performs way better than stock both on road and off road. However, sometimes it squeaks - and that is really annoying - and I've had to rebuild two shocks, and replace two joints on the upper control arms. I would not have had to do any of that work if I had kept the stock suspension. Has it been worth it to me? Absolutely yes - both in terms of the cost of the suspension, and the cost and time involved in maintenance.

I installed the AC-Fab kit on a Sasquatch Wildtrak. They‘re very well made and may not have been an issue. I took them off because I thought I could hear them when I turned. They were also very close to the brake line. There was a minor bit of, what might be totally acceptable, wear on the bottom link. I just didn’t need the extra articulation and since I was selling the vehicle to a dealer, didn’t want to leave a new owner with any surprises.

 

[Logsplitter]

I do not have ours yet, but from what I have seen and hear on the forums, and applying filters to some things;

1. Larger tires, 33" with clear path to 35s.
2. Lower t case gears
3. Aftermarket provisions for lower ring and pinons developed knowing larger tires are coming for many owners. ( just so we can pick them up easily when the day comes)
4. Sway Bar Disconnects, like lockers its just basic gear now
5. Off road 360 Cameras, again everyone is doing them.
6. Better cup holders
7. More USB outlets
8. Mount system for phone or other devices such as the Bronco comes with
9. More Thorough testing, clearly a lot was missed
10. Better thought out center screen and ADAS development
11. On Board Air option
12. Better battery system with complete solar provision
13. Still on fence with engine, time will tell.

Personally I think the engine and gearbox combination is real sweet. I have the petrol version and travelling loaded. Plenty of low down power for mud holes and plenty quick enough on the black top for me. Apart from some fixings coming loose which I’ve described on another thread then I think the combination of major components is about right although I would like to be slightly higher when loaded. I find it super comfortable on long drives and overtaking Lorries a breeze. I don’t drive fast as a rule but do like the power and the sound when I do put my foot down to overtake.
I optioned the high load wiring package and that leaves plenty of scope to add more usb and power points where you need them.

 

[Mountain4x4]

Personally I think the engine and gearbox combination is real sweet. I have the petrol version and travelling loaded. Plenty of low down power for mud holes and plenty quick enough on the black top for me. Apart from some fixings coming loose which I’ve described on another thread then I think the combination of major components is about right although I would like to be slightly higher when loaded. I find it super comfortable on long drives and overtaking Lorries a breeze. I don’t drive fast as a rule but do like the power and the sound when I do put my foot down to overtake.
I optioned the high load wiring package and that leaves plenty of scope to add more usb and power points where you need them.

Keep in mind, that's not serious off roading or with larger tires. For such small tires its really a decent crawl ratio. But when you get into the steep, rocky stuff and larger tires it will not be great.

 

[TCMColorado]

Only the Wrangler, Gladiator and Bronco have a lower crawl ratio than the Grenadier from the factory by virtue of the 4:1 transfer case. For those that need the lowest possible crawl ratio then those vehicles are a better fit out of the box. If you want to do technical rock crawling then a low ratio is extremely helpful, a requirement even, but for all other trail conditions it can be a hindrance. I own a Jeep wrangler with a crawl ratio of 81.33. I love it on the rocks but in nearly any other situation it is frustrating because top speed is limited to around 20 mpg unless you are comfortable driving at a very high engine rpm and burning through fuel. Because of this most off road driving is done in 4 high and low is only engaged when the low ratios are absolutely needed. In the Grenadier 4 low is good to around 40 mph which means it can be used for all trail conditions. In practice this will be more useful especially given the Grenadier is not designed as a technical terrain buggy. During those instances when on very steep but smooth slopes having to use a bit of brake or the the Hill Descent Control is the easy solution and preferable to constantly shifting into and out of 4 low because you can only trundle along once you hit the bottom of the slope. The Grenadier's crawl ratio of 53.8 (petrol) is perfect for all around use while the Jeeps and Bronco are more appropriate for the rough stuff. The question becomes, how much time will the vehicle really be used on the rocks or on really step slopes. I spend nearly all my trail time in Colorado and Utah and if driving the Jeep I am almost always in 4 high because most of the time I don't need 81.33:1 gear reduction. But I will admit there are times when I am very glad I have it.