Is The Ineos Grenadier Really Better Than A Land Rover Defender 110?

We certainly embrace change; however, we also believe that, in some instances, the old-school way is the way to go. This also seems to be the vision of Sir Jim Ratcliffe – the man behind the incredibly appealing and nostalgic Ineos Grenadier.

This isn’t often mentioned, but the Ineos Grenadier is the spiritual successor to the old Defender. When the old Defender was axed, Sir Jim Radcliffe wanted to purchase the model, but Land Rover refused to make one. Since he couldn’t get it, he decided to build an SUV that is heavily inspired by the original.

Now, the question that remains is whether the Ineos Grenadier is a worthy competitor to the new Land Rover Defender while also being a worthy successor to the old one. We believe that many people view this battle the wrong way. Therefore, in this article, we are going to compare the two vehicles as tools for off-road exploration and everyday use.

UPDATE: 2024/03/05 07:00

The Ineos Grenadier and Land Rover Defender 110 share several similarities, including sharing a spiritual ancestor. However, they are built differently from the ground up and designed for contrasting purposes. As such, we’ve significantly updated this content to dive deeper into the differences between the two SUVs.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, we’ve relied on information sourced from Ineos, Land Rover, Fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, IIHS, and hands-on experience. For information regarding our ranking and grading procedures, please refer to our methodology policy.

Performance And Capability

The BMW B58, which in the Grenadier produces 282 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, is an engine well known for its stunning potential. The mid-spec engine in the Defender is a similar unit to the B58 as it is also a 3.0-liter six-cylinder.

Base Powertrain Comparison

The B58 engine powering the Grenadier is highly tunable: it is safe to say that 400 horsepower will be relatively easy to achieve in the gas-powered Grenadier. The Defender’s inline-six mill pairs with 48-volt hybrid system for a combined output of 395 horsepower. This, however, makes it more complicated.

Land Rover also offers a turbocharged inline-four mill paired with an eight-speed slushbox and a supercharged V-8 that makes 518 horsepower and imbues the Defender with performance credentials. Rumor has it that Land Rover is developing a more potent version of the V-8-powered defender to rival the likes of the Ford Bronco Raptor.

Full Performance Specifications

(Specs: Land Rover, Ineos)

Fuel Economy

The fuel economy on both the Grenadier and the Land Rover Defender 110 is pretty poor in the grand scheme of things. Ineos . All Land Rover Defender 110 engines are thirsty, so if you have the money, opt for the V-8. It is the most powerful, and therefore, the most exciting – and it will cost you around the same to fuel a turbocharged inline-four Defender and a supercharged V-8 example. V-8s are dying out at an alarming rate, so get one while you can.

(Source: EPA)

Ineos Grenadier Vs. Land Rover Defender 110 Towing And Off-Road Capability

The rugged Ineos Grenadier has a decent towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. It also packs a maximum of 12,125 pounds of winching power, which can come in handy when someone gets stuck on a muddy or snowy trail. You also get 70.6 cubic feet of cargo space for your camping equipment and tools.

You may assume that the body-on-frame Grenadier would out-tow the unibody Defender 110 – and you’d be wrong. The 110 S and 110 V-8, powered by a turbocharged inline-four and supercharged eight-cylinder, respectively, match the Grenadier’s towing limit. The 110 X, on the other hand, increases the Land Rover’s towing limit to 8,201 pounds.

Towing And Payload Capacities

Off-Road Capability

In a world where most modern off-roaders have traction control systems, the Grenadier is offered with two lockers. This is an old-school setup that combines wheel articulation with locking differentials to make a truck that is unstoppable when the going gets particularly rough. The Ineos might not be more capable than the Defender in stock form, but it can easily be modified to become a much more impressive off-roader. Its solid axles allow for big suspension lifts but also large tires. Modifying the independent suspension on the new defender and installing larger tires is a much more difficult process that isn’t as effective.

The New Defender follows the current norm but with more off-road abilities infused into it. The Defender comes with four-corner independent suspension that has airbags (or coilovers on cheaper variants) that can alter the vehicle’s ride height. This provides great off-road clearance but also good on-road manners.

The Defender also offers a locking rear differential that relies on a brake-based electronic design. No front diff locker is available; however, Land Rover’s traction control system is very effective in distributing power to the wheels that need it the most. The Land Rover’s independent electronic air suspension irons out road imperfections, providing a plush ride for its occupants.

Off-Road Specifications

Interior Design And Technology

The Grenadier’s interior is simple, contemporary, and rather attractive. It combines myriad knobs with a 12.3 touchscreen that serves as the infotainment center. As there’s no gauge cluster in front of the driver, the screen relays information like fuel level, speed, and revs. The Recaro seats in the front row and the bench seat forming the rear row are covered by water -, stain-, and dirt-resistant material.

The Defender’s simple yet attractive interior combines utility and luxury. Design cues like exposed rivets serve as reminders of the Defender’s rugged past. Like the Grenadier, the Land Rover combines dials, knobs, and switches with a digital infotainment screen.

Ineos Grenadier Vs. Land Rover Defender Technology Comparison

The Grenadier’s infotainment screen is an outlier in a cabin filled with knobs and switches. You can control the screen via menu buttons on the lower interface, buttons on the steering wheel, a rotary controller, or via the touchscreen. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and relays vehicle-related information. Plastered on the roof are swithces controlling accessories like light bars and winches. They imbue the Grenadier with a subtle airplane cockpit vibe.

The standard 10-inch screen on a Land Rover Defender 110 runs on a software dubbed Pivi Pro, which also features over-the-air updates. It offers Android Auto, Apple Carplay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation as standard. Pricier Defenders get a HUD and a digital gauge cluster.

Interior Room And Cargo Capacity

The Grenadier and Defender offer plenty of room for cargo and passengers. Some Defender 110 trims feature a third row of seats, which increases passenger capacity, but reduces cargo room. The Grenadier only comes with two rows of seats. You can fold the seats behind the front row in both cars to increase cargo volume.

Cargo Space Comparison

Warranty Comparison

Pricing And Availability

The Defender 110 is a lot more customizable than the Grenadier. For instance, Land Rover offers seven Defender 110 trims, costing between $60,600 and $111,500. Furthermore, you can kit their Defender 110 according to your needs and preferences. For instance, you can opt for a new Country Exterior package that adds a unique wheel design, interior decorations that match the interior, and a two-tone paint scheme.

Ineos, on the other hand, offers three Grenadier trims, which range from $71,500 to $79,190. The automaker offers plenty of optional equipment, which can push the SUV’s price into six figures. However, in terms of customization, the Defender takes the crown.

Trim Pricing Comparison