VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4

_{^{Last updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by the Hertz Iceland Fleet Team}}

The VW Caravelle is Iceland’s largest group rental vehicle — seating 1 driver plus 8 passengers (9 total). AWD automatic diesel, F-road permitted in summer, and available across all 11 Hertz Iceland locations. Rented on an “or similar” basis. Minimum age 23. Important: “9 seater” means 9 people total, including the driver — not 9 passengers.

VW Caravelle 9 Seater Rental Iceland: Large Group AWD Van Guide

The Volkswagen Caravelle is the largest passenger vehicle in the Hertz Iceland fleet — a full-size AWD automatic diesel van that seats 1 driver and 8 passengers, making it the right choice for large families, corporate groups, sports teams, and multi-generational trips where keeping everyone in one vehicle matters.

Before anything else — the most common question we receive about this vehicle:

⚠️ “9 seater” means 9 people total: 1 driver + 8 passengers.
It does not mean 9 passengers. If your group has 9 or more people, you will need a second vehicle.

With VW’s 4MOTION AWD and F-road clearance, the Caravelle is also one of the few large-group vehicles in Iceland permitted on Highland F-road tracks in summer — an unusual capability for a vehicle this size, and one that opens up itineraries that most group rentals cannot access.

Is the VW Caravelle Good for Driving in Iceland?

Yes — for large groups on Iceland’s main roads and summer F-roads, the Caravelle is the only vehicle in the fleet that keeps everyone together in a single AWD vehicle.

• Group Space: 9 seats total (1 driver + 8 passengers). With all seats occupied, rear luggage space is available but limited — soft bags are essential for groups of 7 or more. With the rear row folded or removed, load space increases substantially for smaller groups using the van for its cargo capacity.
• F-Road Capability: 4MOTION AWD provides genuine traction on Iceland’s highland F-road tracks, gravel surfaces, and wet main roads. One of very few vehicles in this size class with confirmed F-road access — check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering Highland areas.
• Highway Performance: 199–204 PS and 450 Nm from the 2.0L TDI diesel deliver strong, unhurried performance on Iceland’s Ring Road. The 8-speed DSG automatic keeps long highway stretches effortless, and diesel range reduces fuel stop frequency on remote routes.
• Comfort: Three rows of seating, dual-zone climate control, and a commanding seating position for all passengers. Rear passengers sit in bus-style bench seats rather than individual recliners — comfortable for full-day driving, though less individually adjustable than a premium SUV.
• Safety: Standard suite includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Front Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. For a full guide to driving safely in Iceland’s conditions, see safe.hertz.is.

When Is the VW Caravelle the Right Choice?

• Large families and groups (5–9 people): The only vehicle in the Hertz Iceland fleet that keeps a group of up to 9 in a single AWD vehicle. For groups where keeping everyone together is a priority — Ring Road, South Coast, Golden Circle — the Caravelle removes the need for two separate vehicles.
• Summer F-road group trips (June–August): One of the few large-group vehicles in Iceland with confirmed F-road access. A group of up to 9 can reach Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, or the Kjölur route together in a single vehicle.
• Corporate groups and transfers: The Caravelle’s size, AWD, and automatic transmission make it a practical choice for corporate travel and multi-stop group transfers across Iceland.

⚠️ Not ideal if:

• Your group has 9 or more people including the driver — a second vehicle is required. The Caravelle seats 9 total, not 9 passengers.
• You are travelling with 9 people and substantial luggage — with all 9 seats in use, boot space is limited. Soft bags are essential. For groups needing both maximum seats and maximum luggage, two vehicles may be more practical than one Caravelle.
• You need a guaranteed specific model — booked “or similar”; you may receive a comparable AWD 9-seat van if the Caravelle is unavailable.

Rental Requirements & Restrictions

• Minimum Age: 23 years old.
• License: Valid driving license held for a minimum of 1 year. IDP required if license is not in Roman script. Note: driving a 9-seat passenger van may require a specific license category in some countries — verify before arrival.
• Payment: Valid credit card in the main renter’s name required at pickup.
• F-Road Policy: Permitted (summer only). Check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering Highland areas.
• Group Size Limit: Maximum 9 people total including driver. Do not exceed the vehicle’s rated seating capacity.

Inside the VW Caravelle

The Caravelle’s cabin is built around one idea: getting a large group of people from one place to another in comfort, without anyone having to compromise significantly. Three rows of seating give every passenger a window view, and the van’s wide body means nobody is squeezed into a middle seat that belongs on a budget aircraft.

The driver’s position is commanding and modern — VW’s Digital Cockpit and a large central touchscreen handle navigation, climate, and vehicle settings. The 8-speed DSG automatic is one of the smoothest gearboxes in the group vehicle segment, and the 2.0L TDI’s 450 Nm of torque means the Caravelle doesn’t feel heavy or reluctant even fully loaded with 9 people and luggage on Iceland’s Ring Road.

Rear passengers travel in bus-style bench seating — comfortable for full-day drives and with good headroom throughout, though the individual experience is less premium than in a luxury SUV. Dual-zone climate control keeps the front and rear cabin at different temperatures, which matters in a vehicle this size when children in the back have different temperature preferences from adults in the front.

For a group of 5–7 with some empty seats, the Caravelle opens up considerably — fold or remove the rear row and you have a spacious, flexible load area alongside seating that still comfortably fits the entire group. It’s this flexibility that makes the Caravelle the most practical large-group vehicle in Iceland.

VW Caravelle Dimensions, Seating and Luggage For Your Trip

Luggage note for groups of 9: with all seats occupied, boot space is at a premium. Hard-shell suitcases for 9 people will not fit alongside a full passenger load.

Why Rent a VW Caravelle in Iceland with Hertz Iceland?

• Choosing Hertz Iceland means renting from a locally owned operator with over 50 years of experience, operating in Iceland since 1971. We have been recognised as Iceland’s Leading Car Rental Company at the World Travel Awards in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2025 — and are proud to be nominated again in 2026.
• Iceland’s Largest Group Vehicle: The VW Caravelle is the only vehicle in the Hertz Iceland fleet that seats up to 9 people in a single AWD vehicle — no splitting into two cars, no coordination across multiple drivers.
• F-Road Access for Large Groups: One of the only group vehicles in Iceland with confirmed F-road clearance — summer Highland routes accessible for groups of up to 9 in a single vehicle.
• Or Similar Guarantee: If the Caravelle is unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable AWD 9-seat van. Never downgraded in passenger capacity.
• Safety First: 4MOTION AWD, season-appropriate tyres, 24/7 emergency phone assistance. For pre-trip safety planning, visit safe.hertz.is.
• Convenience: Available across all 11 Hertz Iceland locations, with direct pickup at KEF Airport Arrival Hall.

Hertz Iceland: Locally Operated Since 1971

As Iceland’s premier local experts for over 55 years, we combine international standards with deep-rooted knowledge of Icelandic terrain. Rent with the authority that knows every F-road and weather pattern since 1971.

History of Volkswagen

Volkswagen was founded in 1937 in Wolfsburg, Germany, originally established to produce an affordable people’s car — the name literally translates as “People’s Car.” The Beetle, launched in the late 1930s and produced continuously until 2003, became one of the most recognisable vehicles in automotive history and established VW’s engineering philosophy of practical, reliable, broadly accessible vehicles.

The Transporter van — the platform on which the Caravelle is based — has been in continuous production since 1950, through six generations. From the iconic T1 “Bulli” of the 1950s to the current T6.1, the Transporter has carried families, businesses, and travellers across every terrain in Europe and beyond. The Caravelle is the premium passenger variant of this platform — refined, comfortable, and available with 4MOTION AWD for demanding conditions.

Renting a VW Caravelle in Iceland means choosing a vehicle lineage with over 70 years of proven reliability — now in its most refined and capable generation.

VW Caravelle vs Kia Sorento PHEV: Group Travel Options

Rental Locations

The VW Caravelle is available across all 11 Hertz Iceland locations:

What’s Included in Your Rental

• 24/7 emergency phone support across Iceland
• Unlimited mileage
• Free cancellation up to 16 days before pickup
• Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Third-party liability coverage
• VAT and local taxes
• Season-appropriate tyres (winter tyres in winter, summer tyres in warmer months)

Road Trips with the VW Caravelle

VW Caravelle Rental car FAQ

• • Does “9 seater” mean 9 passengers?
    No — this is the most common source of confusion about this vehicle. “9 seater” means 9 people total: 1 driver + 8 passengers. If your group has 9 people, the driver is included in that count and all 9 fit in one vehicle. If your group has 10 or more people, you will need a second vehicle.

• • Can I drive the VW Caravelle on F-roads?
    Yes — in summer only. The VW Caravelle 4MOTION is permitted on F-roads and Highland tracks including the routes to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. F-roads are closed in winter. Always check road.is for current road status and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide to confirm vehicle eligibility before entering Highland areas.

• • How much luggage fits in the VW Caravelle?
    With all 9 seats occupied, rear boot space is limited. For a full group of 9, every person should travel with one soft bag or backpack only — hard-shell suitcases for 9 people will not fit alongside a full passenger load. With the rear row folded or removed, load space increases significantly — better suited for smaller groups using the van for extra cargo space alongside their passengers.

• • Is the VW Caravelle good for winter driving in Iceland?
    Yes, on main roads. The Caravelle 4MOTION with winter tyres handles Iceland’s Ring Road and major paved routes confidently in winter conditions. F-roads are closed in winter regardless of vehicle capability. For winter driving guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.

• • Is the VW Caravelle a guaranteed model?
    No — it is rented on an “or similar” basis. If this exact model is unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable AWD 9-seat van of equivalent passenger capacity. If you need a guaranteed specific vehicle, see our Guaranteed Model options including the BMW X3, BMW X5, Toyota Land Cruiser 250, Range Rover Sport PHEV, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Land Rover Defender 130.

• • Do I need a special license to drive a 9-seat van in Iceland?
    A standard driving licence (Category B) is generally sufficient for vehicles up to 9 seats in Iceland. However, requirements vary by country — if your licence is issued outside the EU/EEA, verify with your national licensing authority whether a standard licence covers 9-seat passenger vehicles before your trip. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if your licence is not in Roman script.

• • Does Hertz Iceland offer Roadside Assistance?
    Yes. Roadside Assistance can be added at the rental desk at pickup — not bookable online in advance. It costs 1,990 ISK/day standalone, or 990 ISK/day when added with MAX Coverage. If you need assistance during your rental, pay the service fee at the time, then bring your receipt when you return the car — we’ll refund the covered amount to your card on file. Emergency line: +354 858 0499 (24/7).

• • Where can I find driving safety information for Iceland?
    Hertz Iceland operates safe.hertz.is — a dedicated driving safety hub covering winter driving, F-road guidance, road conditions, and emergency contacts. Available to all travellers in Iceland, not just Hertz customers.