Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
This week we drive the 2026 Ineos Grenadier on pavement, dirt roads, and CR’s challenging Rock Hill to see whether this purpose-built, BMW-powered SUV is worth nearly $90,000. We discuss the driving experience, its unusual steering, noisy cabin, quirky controls, where it excels, and whether we'd actually buy one. Plus, we answer an audience question about what to do with an older BMW whose necessary repairs cost more than the car is worth.
Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Stef Schrader, Ryan Pszczolkowski
Join CR at CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
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0:00 - Intro
00:37 Overview: 2026 Ineos Grenadier
02:22 The Story Behind the Grenadier
04:00 Why it SUV Stands Out
07:28 Off-Road Test
10:12 Locking Differentials and Low-Range Gear
12:28 Built to Be Repaired in the Middle of Nowhere
13:40 BMW Power in a Serious Off-Roader
15:33 The Grenadier’s Quirky Interior
17:20 Compromises
19:06 The Steering
22:31 Buttons, Switches, and an Airplane-Style Cockpit
27:31 Driving Position and Seat Comfort
30:32 Cabin Noise
32:05 On-Road Handling
33:45 Would We Spend $90,000 on One?
36:22 What It’s Really Like to Live With
38:44 How Would the Grenadier Score in CR Testing?
39:36 Audience Question: Should I sell a car that costs more to repair than it’s worth?
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Find the Best SUVs
consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How It Works: FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD vs. 4WD
consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/2wd-vs-awd-vs-4wd-a5663578720/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
CR Car Value Estimator
consumerreports.org/cars/car-value-estimator/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
This week we drive the 2026 Ineos Grenadier on pavement, dirt roads, and CR’s challenging Rock Hill to see whether this purpose-built, BMW-powered SUV is worth nearly $90,000. We discuss the driving experience, its unusual steering, noisy cabin, quirky controls, where it excels, and whether we'd actually buy one. Plus, we answer an audience question about what to do with an older BMW whose necessary repairs cost more than the car is worth.
Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Stef Schrader, Ryan Pszczolkowski
Join CR at CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:37 Overview: 2026 Ineos Grenadier
02:22 The Story Behind the Grenadier
04:00 Why it SUV Stands Out
07:28 Off-Road Test
10:12 Locking Differentials and Low-Range Gear
12:28 Built to Be Repaired in the Middle of Nowhere
13:40 BMW Power in a Serious Off-Roader
15:33 The Grenadier’s Quirky Interior
17:20 Compromises
19:06 The Steering
22:31 Buttons, Switches, and an Airplane-Style Cockpit
27:31 Driving Position and Seat Comfort
30:32 Cabin Noise
32:05 On-Road Handling
33:45 Would We Spend $90,000 on One?
36:22 What It’s Really Like to Live With
38:44 How Would the Grenadier Score in CR Testing?
39:36 Audience Question: Should I sell a car that costs more to repair than it’s worth?
----------------------------------
Find the Best SUVs
consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How It Works: FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD vs. 4WD
consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/2wd-vs-awd-vs-4wd-a5663578720/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
CR Car Value Estimator
consumerreports.org/cars/car-value-estimator/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
