When Mercer Island resident Steven Djordevich slid into the driver’s seat of the INEOS Grenadier, his first thought was that this SUV was unlike anything else on the road. Rugged, utilitarian, and unapologetically practical, it immediately set itself apart from the polished, comfort-heavy designs of modern SUVs.

What caught his attention right away was the cockpit-style control console. With its array of switches and controls, it looked more like the dashboard of an airplane than the interior of a car. For Djordevich, this detail underscored the Grenadier’s commitment to function over frills.

That first impression carried through once the test drive began. “The Grenadier feels solid and heavy and is built for being off-road,” he said. It wasn’t designed to coddle with luxury features—it was designed for capability. And that, he felt, was its greatest strength. While some drivers might crave heated seats and touchscreen entertainment, Djordevich valued the Grenadier’s straightforward durability.

He could easily imagine how the vehicle would fit into his own life. Family camping trips, shuttling kids and their sports gear around town, and road trips to remote destinations like Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, or even Alaska all seemed like perfect matches for the Grenadier’s practical design and off-road readiness.

The vehicle didn’t just impress him; it drew attention from others, too. Its distinctive exterior turned heads on the road, and curious drivers even approached him at gas stations and parking lots to ask about it. That public reaction added to the “wow” factor of driving something so unique.

For Djordevich, what ultimately set the Grenadier apart was its design philosophy. It put 4x4 capability and utility first, ahead of luxury or trendiness. “The unique design, ruggedness, and utilitarianism of this vehicle set it apart from other SUVs I’ve driven or owned,” he explained. “The Grenadier seems to put 4x4 capability and practicality first, and I think consumers who value that will pick it over other SUVs.”

Summing up his test drive, Djordevich described it as “a fun and distinct experience with a new and exciting product.” His only regret? That he didn’t have more time behind the wheel.