Nissan Ariya AWD SUV Electric or similar | Long Range| Automatic | 4×4

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

The Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE is a fully electric AWD SUV — 533 km WLTP range, 290 PS, dual-motor AWD, and one of the fastest AC chargers in the fleet (22 kW). Available on an “or similar” basis. Not permitted on F-roads or Highland tracks despite AWD. Minimum age 23. One credit card required.

Nissan Ariya Rental Iceland: AWD Long-Range Electric SUV Guide

Renting a Nissan Ariya in Iceland means choosing one of the most advanced AWD electric SUVs in the Hertz Iceland fleet — a dual-motor e-4ORCE platform delivering 290 PS, 533 km of WLTP range, and a 22 kW onboard AC charger that makes overnight hotel top-ups the fastest of any non-Tesla EV in the fleet.

The Ariya occupies a distinct position among Iceland’s rental EVs: AWD traction for confident paved-road driving in all weather, a premium Nissan interior, and ProPilot driver assistance for relaxed long-distance Ring Road cruising — all without the Supercharger network of a Tesla or the F-road access of a PHEV 4×4.

Important upfront — AWD does not mean F-road permitted. The Nissan Ariya is strictly forbidden on F-roads and Highland tracks despite its dual-motor AWD system. This is a premium road SUV, not a highland track vehicle. For F-road access, see our 4×4 fleet.

Is the Nissan Ariya Good for Driving in Iceland?

Yes — for Iceland’s paved main roads year-round, the Ariya’s AWD, long range, and 22 kW AC charging make it one of the most practical non-Tesla EVs in the fleet.

• Real-World Space: 466 litres of rear boot space plus a 99-litre front trunk — combined 565 litres across both compartments. 2–3 large hard-shell suitcases fit in the rear boot with all seats in use; the frunk handles soft bags, charging cables, or valuables. Folding the rear seats creates a significantly expanded flat load area.
• AWD Performance: e-4ORCE dual-motor AWD delivers 290 PS and 600 Nm of combined torque with instant delivery — confident and precise on Iceland’s varied paved and gravel surfaces, and notably stable in crosswinds on the open northern Ring Road sections. 0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.
• Range: 533 km WLTP. Real-world range varies by speed, temperature, and HVAC usage — expect approximately 380–450 km in summer highway conditions, and 260–340 km in winter. Always plan with a 20% buffer.
• AC Charging Advantage: 22 kW AC charging is class-leading among non-Tesla EVs — significantly faster than the ID.3 (11 kW) or Captur PHEV (3.4 kW). A full charge in approximately 4.5 hours at a Type 2 wallbox means an evening plug-in delivers a full battery by morning.
• DC Fast Charging: Up to 130 kW CCS (~30 min 20–80%) at compatible public chargers — adequate for mid-route top-ups on longer itineraries.
• ProPilot Assist: Standard adaptive cruise control with lane centring — keeps the Ariya in its lane and at a set distance from the vehicle ahead on Ring Road motorway sections, significantly reducing fatigue on longer driving days.
• Safety: Standard suite includes Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. For a full guide to driving safely in Iceland’s conditions, see safe.hertz.is.
• F-Road restriction: Despite AWD, the Ariya is not permitted on F-roads or Highland tracks. For F-road eligible vehicles, check safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide.

Real-World Range by Conditions — Nissan Ariya AWD Iceland Guide

All figures are estimates. Actual range depends on speed, HVAC usage, battery age, tyre pressure, and load. Always plan with a 20% buffer.

When Is the Nissan Ariya the Right Choice?

• Year-Round Ring Road: AWD with winter tyres, 533 km WLTP range, and 22 kW AC hotel charging make the Ariya one of the most capable non-Tesla EV options for the full Ring Road in any season. ProPilot adaptive cruise reduces fatigue on longer daily drives.
• Winter paved-road driving: e-4ORCE AWD’s instant torque and dual-motor traction deliver genuine confidence on Iceland’s cleared winter main roads — noticeably more secure than a 2WD EV in the same conditions.
• Families and groups of 2–4: 466L boot plus 99L frunk provides practical space for 2–4 adults with standard luggage on multi-day itineraries.
• Travellers who prefer CCS/hotel charging over Supercharger: The Ariya suits travellers planning around hotel Type 2 charging rather than public fast-charger stops — the 22 kW AC speed makes this genuinely practical.

⚠️ Not ideal if:

• You plan F-road or Highland driving — strictly forbidden despite AWD. For F-road AWD access, see the Defender PHEV or Duster 4×4. Check safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide.
• You want the Tesla Supercharger network — the Ariya uses CCS, not NACS/Supercharger. Iceland’s public CCS network covers the Ring Road but with less density than the Supercharger network. For Supercharger access, the Tesla Model Y is the alternative.
• You need a guaranteed specific model — or-similar booking.

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.
• F-Road Policy: STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Despite AWD — not permitted on F-roads or Highland tracks under any circumstances.

Inside the Nissan Ariya

The Ariya’s cabin is the most design-forward in the Hertz Iceland non-Tesla EV fleet. Nissan’s “Asymmetric Harmony” interior philosophy produces a dashboard that sits lower than conventional SUVs, with a large floating centre console that retracts electronically to open up the footwell space — giving the front seats an unusual sense of openness for a compact SUV.

The dual 12.3-inch screens — one for the driver’s cluster, one for the infotainment — sit side by side in a single curved panel. Controls for heating and ventilation are integrated into a touch-sensitive bar below the screens rather than physical buttons, which takes an hour or two to adjust to but becomes intuitive quickly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The Bose premium audio system fills the cabin effectively at highway speeds — relevant in an EV where the absence of engine noise makes the speakers the dominant sound.

ProPilot Assist’s combination of adaptive cruise and lane centring is one of the more capable driver assistance systems in the non-Tesla EV fleet — on the Ring Road’s longer straight sections between Akureyri and Egilsstaðir, it reduces active driver input significantly while keeping the vehicle in its lane and at a safe following distance.

Rear passengers sit with generous legroom — the Ariya’s flat floor (no transmission tunnel) makes the rear centre seat genuinely usable rather than nominal. Combined with heated rear seats on higher trims, four adults travel comfortably on full-day Ring Road driving days.

Nissan Ariya Dimensions, Seating and Luggage For Your Trip

The Ariya’s rear boot holds 2–3 large hard-shell suitcases (466 litres) with all seats in use. The 99-litre frunk adds convenient separate lockable storage for charging cables, soft bags, or valuables. Combined across both compartments, 565 litres provides comfortable luggage space for 2–4 adults on a full Ring Road itinerary without using rear seat space.

Why rent an electric Nissan Ariya with Hertz?

• Nissan Ariya rental with 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 Ariya is rented by category — if unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable AWD long-range EV. Never downgraded in drive class or range category. Fastest AC Charging in Non-Tesla EV Fleet: 22 kW AC onboard charger — full charge in ~4.5 hours at a Type 2 wallbox. Faster than any other non-Tesla EV in our fleet. Under 2 Years Old: Every Ariya in our fleet is under two years old — current specification, full manufacturer warranty in effect. Safety First: e-4ORCE AWD, ProPilot Assist, 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 Nissan

Nissan was founded in Japan in 1933, evolving from the Dat Motorcar Company into one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers. The brand built its international reputation on the Skyline, the Datsun range, and — most relevantly for the Ariya — on pioneering electric vehicles with the launch of the Nissan Leaf in 2010. The Leaf became the world’s best-selling electric car and established Nissan as a serious EV manufacturer years before most competitors entered the market.

The Ariya, launched in 2021, represents Nissan’s next chapter in electric vehicles — a dedicated EV platform (CMF-EV), dual-motor e-4ORCE AWD derived from Nissan’s motorsport expertise, and a cabin design philosophy that distinguishes it from every other EV in its segment. Where the Leaf was Nissan proving EVs could be practical, the Ariya is Nissan proving they can be desirable.

Car hire Nissan Ariya automatic with Hertz Iceland means choosing the vehicle that brings over a decade of Nissan EV engineering to Iceland’s roads — refined, capable, and genuinely premium in a class that often sacrifices one for the other.

Nissan Ariya vs Tesla Model Y: Which AWD EV Fits Your Iceland Trip?

Rental Locations

The nissan ariya rental 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 3 days before pickup for prepaid bookings
• 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)

Iceland CCS Charging Network

The Ariya uses CCS (Combined Charging System) — compatible with Iceland’s public charging network (ON Power, Ísorka, and others). CCS chargers are available in Reykjavík, major towns, and at key stops along the Ring Road. The 22 kW AC onboard charger makes hotel and guesthouse Type 2 charging the most practical strategy — plug in on arrival, full battery by morning. For DC fast-charging stops en route, use the ON Power or Ísorka app to locate CCS chargers before departure.

• Read more about charging and driving an EV in Iceland

Road Trips with the Nissan Ariya

Renting Nissan Ariya in Iceland FAQ

• • Can I drive the Nissan Ariya on F-roads?
    No — despite the dual-motor AWD system. The Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE is strictly forbidden on F-roads and Highland tracks in Iceland. AWD does not mean F-road permitted — the Ariya is a premium road SUV, not a highland track vehicle. For F-road eligible AWD vehicles, check safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide.

• • What is the real-world range of the Nissan Ariya in Iceland?
    The Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE AWD is rated at 533 km WLTP. Real-world range in Iceland varies by temperature, speed, and HVAC usage — expect approximately 400–450 km in summer at highway speeds, and 260–320 km in winter at -5°C to -10°C. Always plan with a 20% buffer and identify charging points before departure.

• • How do I charge the Nissan Ariya in Iceland?
    The Ariya uses CCS (Combined Charging System) for DC fast charging (up to 130 kW, ~30 min to 80%) and Type 2 for AC charging (22 kW, ~4.5 hours full). The recommended strategy for Ring Road travel is overnight hotel Type 2 charging — the Ariya’s 22 kW onboard charger is the fastest AC charging speed of any non-Tesla EV in our fleet, making hotel charging a practical primary strategy rather than a slow fallback. Use CCS public fast chargers (ON Power, Ísorka) as a backup or mid-route top-up option.

• • Is the Nissan Ariya good for winter driving in Iceland?
    Yes — on main roads. The e-4ORCE dual-motor AWD with winter tyres provides confident, stable traction on Iceland’s cleared main roads in snow and ice. Cold temperatures reduce real-world range — expect 260–320 km at -5°C to -10°C. Pre-condition the battery while plugged in before every winter departure, and plan daily distances around the reduced winter range figures. F-roads are closed in winter. For winter driving guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.

• • Nissan Ariya vs Tesla Model Y — which AWD EV is better for Iceland?
    Both are AWD EVs, not F-road permitted. Key differences: the Tesla Model Y has access to Iceland’s Supercharger network (faster and more comprehensive than public CCS), more boot space (854L vs 466L), and slightly more WLTP range (600km vs 533km). The Nissan Ariya has a faster AC onboard charger (22 kW vs lower kW), which makes hotel charging significantly more practical, and a more design-forward premium cabin with ProPilot Assist. Choose the Tesla Model Y for Supercharger access and more luggage space. Choose the Ariya if you’re planning around hotel Type 2 charging and prefer the Nissan cabin and AWD character.

• • How much luggage fits in the Nissan Ariya?
    The rear boot holds 2–3 large hard-shell suitcases (466 litres) with all seats in use. The front trunk (frunk) adds 99 litres of separate lockable storage — ideal for charging cables, soft bags, or valuables. Combined storage is 565 litres across both compartments. Folding the rear seats creates a flat, significantly expanded load area for couples carrying bulky gear or camera equipment.

• • Is the Nissan Ariya a guaranteed model?
    No — it is rented on an “or similar” basis. If this exact model is unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable AWD long-range EV. 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.