Kia Sportage Manual AWD Rental Iceland | 4×4 | F-Road

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

The Kia Sportage Manual is an AWD 4×4 SUV — F-road permitted in summer, with 591 litres of boot space, HTRAC permanent AWD, and full manual gearbox control. Rented on an “or similar” basis. Minimum age 23. One credit card required. A Kia Sportage Automatic is also available at a slightly higher rate — see the automatic version here.

Kia Sportage Manual AWD Rental Iceland: 4×4 SUV Guide

The Kia Sportage Manual AWD is the lower-cost entry to the Sportage’s HTRAC AWD platform — a genuine 4×4 with F-road access, a 591-litre boot, and a 6-speed manual gearbox that puts full gear control in the driver’s hands. For travellers who are comfortable with a manual transmission and want to spend less on the daily hire rate while keeping every gram of AWD capability, the Sportage Manual is the more efficient choice.

The HTRAC AWD system is identical to the automatic version — the same permanent four-wheel traction, the same Snow mode, the same F-road access. The difference is entirely in the transmission: the manual gives you direct engine braking on highland descents, precise gear selection on approach roads, and a slightly lower daily rate than the Kia Sportage Automatic.

Feature	Specification
Drive System	HTRAC AWD (Permanent 4×4)
Transmission	Manual (6-speed)
Fuel Type	Petrol
Engine	1.6L T-GDi turbo petrol
Seats	5 (best for 2–4 adults)
Luggage Capacity	3 large suitcases (591 litres)
Best For	Ring Road, Golden Circle, South Coast, F-roads (summer)
Allowed Road Types	Paved Roads, Gravel & F-Roads (summer only, check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide)
Fleet Age	Under 2 years old
Model	Or Similar — comparable manual AWD SUV if unavailable
Also Available	Kia Sportage Automatic (slightly higher rate)
Roadside Assistance	Available at pickup desk, from 990 ISK/day with MAX Coverage

? Hertz Insider Tip

“The Sportage Manual’s engine braking advantage is most obvious on Iceland’s highland F-road descents — approaching Landmannalaugar from F208’s steep sections, or on the switchbacks of the Öxi Pass on the Ring Road. Dropping to third gear and letting the engine slow the car is both more controlled and easier on the brakes than relying on the footbrake alone. If you’re doing serious highland F-road driving, the manual gives you one more tool the automatic doesn’t.”

Is the Kia Sportage Manual AWD Good for Driving in Iceland?

Yes — same HTRAC AWD and F-road capability as the automatic version, with the added advantage of direct gearbox control and a lower daily rate.

Real-World Space: 591 litres of boot space with all seats in use — comfortably fitting 3 large hard-shell suitcases. Identical to the automatic version.
F-Road & AWD Capability: HTRAC permanent AWD with Snow mode provides genuine traction on Iceland’s highland F-road tracks, gravel surfaces, and wet main roads. Permitted on F-roads including routes to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk in summer — check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering Highland areas.
Why Manual on Highland Routes: On technical F-road descents and steep highland approaches, the 6-speed manual allows precise engine braking without relying on the footbrake — a genuine mechanical advantage over an automatic on the most demanding sections.
Engine Performance: 1.6L T-GDi turbo petrol, same output as the automatic version. Manual gearbox gives you full control over when to change gear on Iceland’s varied road surfaces — hold a gear longer on a climb, drop a gear earlier on a descent.
Winter Performance: HTRAC AWD with Snow mode and winter tyres provides confident traction on Iceland’s cleared main roads. F-roads are closed in winter. For winter driving guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.
Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP (2021, 85% adult occupant protection). Standard suite includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning. For a full guide to driving safely in Iceland’s conditions, see safe.hertz.is.

When Is the Kia Sportage Manual the Right Choice?

Summer F-road season (June–August): F-roads open, AWD confidence on highland tracks, engine braking control on technical descents — the manual version is the more capable highland tool for experienced manual drivers.
Budget-conscious AWD travellers: The Sportage Manual delivers the same AWD platform and F-road access as the automatic at a lower daily rate — the right choice when you want to spend your budget on the experience rather than the transmission.
Drivers who prefer manual control: If you drive manual at home and enjoy the engagement of gearbox control on varied roads, the Sportage Manual is more satisfying on Iceland’s highland tracks than its automatic equivalent.
Year-Round Ring Road: HTRAC AWD with winter tyres handles Iceland’s Ring Road confidently in all seasons. Comfortable for 4 adults on multi-day Ring Road itineraries with luggage.

⚠️ Not ideal if:

You prefer automatic transmission — the Kia Sportage Automatic is available at a slightly higher rate with the same AWD and F-road access.
You need a guaranteed specific model — booked “or similar”; you may receive a comparable manual AWD SUV if the Sportage is unavailable.
You want PHEV efficiency — the Sportage in our fleet is petrol only. For a PHEV AWD, consider the Hyundai Tucson PHEV or Kia Sorento PHEV.

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.
Payment: Valid credit card in the main renter’s name required at pickup.
Transmission: Manual 6-speed — if you need automatic, book the Kia Sportage Automatic instead.
F-Road Policy: Permitted (summer only). Check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering Highland areas.

Read the Full rental Requirement & Cancellation Policy

Inside the Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage cabin is the same whether you choose manual or automatic — the curved dual-screen display, the clean dashboard layout, the heated and ventilated front seats, the panoramic sunroof, and the dual-zone climate control are all unchanged. What differs is the centre console: the 6-speed manual gear lever sits where the automatic selector would be, and the clutch pedal occupies the leftmost position.

For drivers who are at home with a manual gearbox, the Sportage’s is well-weighted and precise — light clutch, short throw, a well-spaced gate. In Reykjavík’s city traffic it’s easy and unfatiguing. On the Ring Road’s longer stretches, sixth gear at cruise speed is smooth and economical. On highland F-road approaches, the ability to select the exact gear for the surface — second for a loose river approach, third for a steep volcanic gravel climb — gives the driver a level of direct control that an automatic system manages automatically but can’t replicate with the same precision.

The 591-litre boot, the rear legroom, and the overall cabin quality are identical to the automatic version. Four adults travel comfortably with three large suitcases in the boot without any rear seat compromise. At highland campsites and Ring Road guesthouse car parks, the LED headlights illuminate the surroundings well.

The Sportage Manual is the choice for the driver who wants to be engaged with the vehicle as well as the landscape — and who sees the manual gearbox not as a concession but as the more direct way to drive.

Kia Sportage Dimensions, Seating and Luggage For Your Trip

Specification	Detail
Car Class	Mid-Size AWD SUV
Number of Doors	5
Number of Seats	5 (best for 2–4 adults)
Transmission	Manual (6-speed)
Fuel Type	Petrol
Engine	1.6L T-GDi turbo petrol
Engine Output	150–180 PS (trim dependent)
Drive System	HTRAC AWD (permanent, Snow mode)
Euro NCAP	5 stars (2021, 85% adult occupant protection)
Boot Space (seats up)	591 litres
Boot Space (seats folded)	1,715 litres
Luggage Capacity	3 large suitcases
Infotainment	Curved dual-screen (12.3″ + 12.3″), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Comfort	Heated/ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate

Safety	FCA, Lane Keep, Driver Attention Warning, Blind Spot, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

The Sportage’s 591-litre boot comfortably fits 3 large hard-shell suitcases with all five seats in use — identical to the automatic version. Folding the rear seats creates 1,715 litres of flat load space for couples travelling with bulky gear or camera equipment.

Why Hertz for a car rental in 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.
Or Similar Guarantee: The Sportage Manual is rented by category — if unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable manual AWD SUV. Never downgraded in class or AWD capability.
Under 2 Years Old: Every Sportage in our fleet is under two years old — current specification, full manufacturer warranty in effect.
Best Value AWD F-Road Automatic in Fleet: The Sportage Manual delivers the same HTRAC AWD and F-road access as the automatic version at a lower daily rate — the highest value AWD package in this category.
Safety First: 5-star Euro NCAP, 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.

Kia Sportage Manual vs Kia Sportage Automatic: Which Version Fits Your Iceland Trip?

Feature	Kia Sportage Manual	Kia Sportage Automatic
Transmission	6-speed manual	Automatic
F-Road Access	Permitted (summer)	Permitted (summer)
Drive System	HTRAC AWD	HTRAC AWD
Engine Braking	Full manual control on descents	Converter-managed
Highland Descents	More precise control	Automatic management
City Driving	More active	Maximum ease
Boot Space	591 litres	591 litres
Daily Rate	Slightly lower	Slightly higher
Best For	Manual preference, highland control, lower cost	Automatic preference, city ease
Link	This page	Kia Sportage Automatic
Model Type	Or similar	Or similar

Rental Locations

The Kia Sportage Manual AWD is available across all 11 Hertz Iceland locations:

Our Iceland Rental Locations

Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

The most convenient pick-up point for international arrivals.

Summer (1 May – 30 Nov): 24/7
Winter (1 Dec – 30 Apr): Mon-Sun: 05:30–02:00

Reykjavík Downtown

? Flugvallarvegi 5
Mon–Fri: 08:00–17:00 | Weekends: 08:00–15:00
Self-service pick-up outside staffed hours

Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV)

Mon–Fri: 08:00–17:00
Weekends: 09:00–15:00

Keflavik Downtown

Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:00

Akureyri Airport (AEY)

Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:00
Key box pick-up during terminal hours

Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS)

Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:00
Key box pick-up available

Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ)

Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:00
Key box pick-up available

Höfn Airport (HFN)

Please contact the Hertz Iceland Service Centre for current operating hours.

Hafnarfjörður Selhella (HQ)

Mon–Fri: 08:00–17:00
Weekends: CLOSED

Bíldudalur Airport (BIU)

Operates only upon receipt of confirmed bookings. Must book in advance.
Contact to confirm: hertz@hertz.is

Skagaströnd Support Station

Operates only upon receipt of confirmed bookings. Must book in advance.
Contact to confirm: hertz@hertz.is

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)

Important: New Iceland Road Tax (2026)

As of January 1, 2026, the Icelandic government requires a mandatory Kilometer Tax on this vehicle type. This replaces traditional fuel taxes with a usage-based fee.

✔ Transparent Pay-Per-Km Pricing

Government Road Tax: 6.95 ISK / km
Hertz Service Fee: 1.40 ISK / km (+ VAT)

*Approx. 0.056 USD/km (Gov) + 0.011 USD/km (Service). Charged based on actual distance driven at the end of your rental.

Questions? For inquiries regarding the Icelandic Road Tax or billing specifics, please contact our dedicated support team at: roadtax@hertz.is

Roadside Assistance

Help when you need it most — for common situations on the road.

ℹ️ What is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside Assistance provides professional on-site support to resolve vehicle issues wherever you are in Iceland. Whenever an incident occurs, our team evaluates the situation on a case-by-case basis to determine the fastest, most effective solution to get you back on the road safely without unnecessary delays.

What’s covered

This add-on covers Roadside Assistance for the following common situations:

⬤ Locked out of your vehicle
⬤ Flat or punctured tyre
⬤ Drained battery
⬤ Running out of fuel

⚠️ Important Exclusion: Roadside Assistance required due to accidents or driver fault is not covered.

*This includes, but is not limited to: loss of car keys, rim damages, water damage, filling the tank with the wrong fuel, and any other rental car damage caused by the driver.

? How it works: If you require Roadside Assistance, you will need to pay the third-party service provider directly on-site first. YOU MUST KEEP YOUR RECEIPT! Present this receipt to our team when you return your rental car, and Hertz Iceland will refund the eligible amount directly back to your card.

Pricing

Stand-alone Roadside Assistance	1,990 kr./day
With Max Cover Roadside Assistance	990 kr./day

Best Value Add to Max Cover and save 1,000 kr./day

Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference

Travel with peace of mind. We offer a Newer, Reliable Fleet (under 2 years old, low mileage), a Prime Location (inside Keflavik Airport (KEF) arrival hall), and comprehensive, cross-country Nationwide Support with premium customer service—just a phone call away.

Road Trips with the Kia Sportage Manual AWD

Same HTRAC AWD, same F-road access as the automatic — with the manual gearbox giving you direct engine braking control where Iceland’s highland tracks demand it most.

Landmannalaugar via F-Road 208

ReykjavíkHellaF208Landmannalaugar

This is where the Sportage Manual’s gearbox earns its keep most clearly. On F208’s steep volcanic gravel descents approaching Landmannalaugar, dropping to second gear and using the engine to slow the car gives you more precise, more controlled deceleration than a footbrake alone — and it keeps the brakes cool for the sustained downhill sections. HTRAC AWD manages traction across the surface changes while you manage the gear selection — the combination is more involving than the automatic version and more mechanically satisfying on Iceland’s most technically demanding highland approach roads. Check [safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide](https://safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide) and [road.is](https://www.road.is) before departure.

F-Road Tip: F208 typically opens late June. Check road.is the morning you depart. Use second gear for loose surface descents. Summer only — F-roads are closed in winter.

The South Coast & Þórsmörk via F249

ReykjavíkSeljalandsfossSkógafossF249ÞórsmörkReynisfjaraVík

The South Coast’s paved highway is straightforward in any vehicle — the manual gearbox’s advantage arrives when F249 begins. The approach to Þórsmörk involves river crossings and steep gravel sections where holding a gear and modulating the throttle gives the driver more predictable control over the vehicle’s speed and traction than waiting for an automatic to respond. The HTRAC AWD handles the cross-axle traction automatically; the driver handles the gear selection and speed management. Return via Reynisfjara’s black sand beach and overnight in Vík — the manual gearbox makes no difference to how spectacular the South Coast is, but it makes the F249 approach more directly satisfying.

F-Road Tip: F249 has river crossings — check [road.is](https://www.road.is) and safetravel.is before departure. Summer only. Never attempt river crossings alone.

The Full Ring Road

ReykjavíkSouth CoastJökulsárlónEast FjordsAkureyriSnæfellsnesReykjavík

The full Ring Road in a Sportage Manual is a week-long engagement between driver and road — the 1,332 km loop through Iceland’s most celebrated landscapes, managed through a gearbox that puts the driver directly in control of the vehicle’s response to every surface change. HTRAC AWD with Snow mode handles the Ring Road’s varied conditions in all seasons; the manual gearbox gives you more feedback about what the road is doing underneath. For drivers who find automatic transmission detaches them from the driving experience, the Sportage Manual on the Ring Road is the more immersive choice — and at a lower daily rate than the automatic version. All 11 Hertz Iceland locations along the route provide full one-way flexibility.

Best Time: Year-round on main roads. June–August for F-road detour options. Allow 7–10 days for a relaxed full loop. Snow mode recommended on gravel and any uncertain surface regardless of season.

Kia Sportage 4WD Rental car FAQ

- Can I drive the Kia Sportage Manual on F-roads?
  Yes — in summer only. The Kia Sportage Manual HTRAC AWD 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.

- Kia Sportage manual vs automatic — which should I choose?
  Both have identical HTRAC AWD, F-road access, and 591-litre boot. The manual gives you direct engine braking control on highland descents, more driving engagement on technical F-road sections, and a slightly lower daily rate. The automatic is better for city driving ease, drivers who don’t regularly use a manual gearbox, and those who want transmission management handled automatically on complex terrain. If you’re comfortable with a manual and are planning highland F-road driving, the manual version is the better value and the more capable highland tool. See the Kia Sportage Automatic if you prefer automatic.

- How much luggage fits in the Kia Sportage?
  The boot holds 591 litres with all five seats in use — comfortably fitting 3 large hard-shell suitcases. Identical to the automatic version. With rear seats folded, load space expands to 1,715 litres for couples carrying bulky gear or camera equipment.

- Is the Kia Sportage Manual good for winter driving in Iceland?
  Yes. HTRAC AWD with Snow mode and winter tyres provides confident traction on Iceland’s main roads in snow and ice. The manual gearbox adds engine braking capability on icy descents — a useful additional control input in winter conditions. F-roads are closed in winter regardless of vehicle capability. For winter driving guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.

- Is the Kia Sportage Manual a guaranteed model?
  No — it is rented on an “or similar” basis. If this exact model is unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable manual AWD mid-size SUV. 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.

- 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.