VW ID.3 Electric or similar | Long Range | Automatic | 2WD

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

The VW ID.3 is a long-range fully electric automatic city car — best suited to 1–2 travellers on summer day trips, Golden Circle runs, and Reykjavík city driving. Real-world range under 400 km in Iceland’s conditions. Not permitted on F-roads. Minimum age 20. Or-similar booking. For the Ring Road or winter driving, we recommend upgrading to a larger EV or PHEV category.

VW ID.3 Electric Rental Iceland: Long-Range EV Guide

The Volkswagen ID.3 is a fully electric long-range automatic — compact, refined, and ideally suited to Iceland’s most popular paved-road day trips and Reykjavík city driving. For 1–2 travellers who want a zero-emission driving experience on Iceland’s main summer routes, the ID.3 delivers genuine EV performance with DC fast-charging capability and VW’s intuitive interface in a compact footprint that makes Reykjavík parking straightforward.

Honest positioning upfront: the ID.3’s real-world range in Iceland’s conditions runs under 400 km — and with Iceland’s charging network less comprehensive than the Tesla Supercharger infrastructure, the Ring Road requires more careful planning than with a longer-range EV. For the Ring Road or winter driving, we recommend upgrading to a larger EV or PHEV category — the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3, or any of our PHEV AWD options. The ID.3 is at its best on day trips, city driving, and shorter summer itineraries where the range is genuinely sufficient.

Is the VW ID.3 Good for Driving in Iceland?

Yes — for summer day trips, Reykjavík city driving, and paved-road itineraries within the vehicle’s real-world range. Less suitable for extended Ring Road itineraries or winter driving.

• Real-World Range in Iceland: Under 400 km in Iceland’s conditions — accounting for speed, temperature, HVAC usage, and charging state. In warm summer conditions on shorter routes this is comfortable. In cold or winter conditions, range drops further. Always plan charging stops before departure.
• Real-World Space: 385 litres of boot space — fitting 1 large suitcase or 2 smaller soft bags with all seats in use. Suited to 1–2 people travelling light. For 3 or more with full luggage, a larger vehicle is needed.
• DC Fast Charging: Up to 170 kW DC fast charging compatible (CCS) — approximately 26 minutes from 10% to 80% at a compatible charger. Iceland’s public CCS network covers Reykjavík and major towns well; coverage along the full Ring Road is less comprehensive than the Tesla Supercharger network.
• 2WD RWD: Rear-wheel drive only — no AWD, no F-road capability. On clear summer paved roads, RWD with summer tyres is fine. In winter, the ID.3 comes with season-appropriate winter tyres but remains a 2WD vehicle — significantly less confident than AWD in snow and ice.
• Cabin Comfort: VW’s ID software interface, augmented reality head-up display, heated seats, and near-silent electric running make the ID.3 a premium city car experience. The compact footprint and tight turning circle make Reykjavík navigation easy.
• Safety: Standard suite includes Front Assist (AEB), Lane Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. For a full guide to driving safely in Iceland’s conditions, see safe.hertz.is.

Real-World Range by Conditions — VW ID.3 Iceland Guide

All figures are estimates based on real-world Iceland driving patterns. Actual range depends on speed, HVAC usage, battery age, and driving style. Always plan with a 20% buffer.

When Is the VW ID.3 the Right Choice?

• Summer city and day trip driving (June–August): Golden Circle, South Coast to Vík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Reykjavík city driving — all within comfortable range on a full charge in summer conditions.
• 1–2 travellers travelling light: The ID.3’s 385-litre boot and compact cabin are best appreciated by a couple or solo traveller who wants EV efficiency without the size of a larger SUV.
• Short summer itineraries based in Reykjavík: For travellers spending most of their time in Reykjavík with day trips planned, the ID.3’s range is genuinely sufficient and its compact footprint makes city parking easy.

⚠️ Not ideal if:

• You plan the full Ring Road — real-world range under 400 km combined with less comprehensive public charging than the Tesla network makes the Ring Road a planning challenge. We recommend the Tesla Model Y or a PHEV AWD for the Ring Road.
• You are travelling in winter — 2WD RWD in Icelandic winter conditions with significantly reduced EV range is not recommended. A 4×4 PHEV or AWD EV is the right choice for winter driving. For winter guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.
• You plan F-road or Highland driving — strictly forbidden. 2WD only, no AWD. See safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide.
• You are 3 or more people with full luggage — 385 litres is suited to 1–2 people travelling light.
• You need a guaranteed specific model — or-similar booking.

Rental Requirements & Restrictions

• Minimum Age: 20 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.
• Drive System: 2WD RWD only — no AWD available.
• F-Road Policy: STRICTLY FORBIDDEN under any circumstances.
• Range Note: Real-world range under 400 km in Iceland’s conditions. Plan charging stops before departure, not en route.

Inside the VW ID.3

The ID.3 cabin is VW’s most forward-looking interior — a clean, screen-forward design that removes most physical controls in favour of the central 12-inch touchscreen and a slimmed-down steering wheel with haptic touch controls on the spokes. The augmented reality head-up display projects navigation guidance directly onto the windscreen, keeping directions in the driver’s sightline without requiring a glance at the dashboard.

In Reykjavík’s streets, the ID.3 is immediately enjoyable — the instant torque from the rear electric motor makes city driving crisp and responsive, the turning circle is tight enough for the capital’s narrower streets, and the near-silence of electric running gives the cabin a composure that petrol city cars can’t match. The heated seats warm quickly on cold Iceland mornings, and the heat pump (standard on the Pro S) makes cabin heating significantly more efficient than a resistive heater — meaningful for range in cold conditions.

For two people on a summer day trip, the cabin is comfortable and well-appointed. The boot’s 385 litres handles two soft bags and camera gear without difficulty. Rear legroom is adequate for shorter trips — this is a car designed primarily around the front two seats, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise.

Charging is straightforward in Reykjavík — the city’s growing CCS public network and hotel charging options mean the ID.3 typically starts each day with a full or near-full battery when charged overnight. Outside Reykjavík, planning ahead matters more — but for the Golden Circle or South Coast, a full charge before departure covers the route without needing a stop.

VW ID.3 Dimensions, Seating and Luggage For Your Trip

The ID.3’s 385-litre boot fits 1 large hard-shell suitcase or 2 smaller soft bags with all seats in use. For 1–2 people travelling light on summer day trips, space is comfortable. For Ring Road itineraries or 3+ people, a larger vehicle is needed.

Why Rent a VW ID 3 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.
• Or Similar Guarantee: The ID.3 is rented by category — if unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable long-range EV. Never downgraded in class.
• Under 2 Years Old: Every ID.3 in our fleet is under two years old — current specification, full manufacturer warranty in effect.
• DC Fast Charging: Up to 170 kW CCS fast charging — one of the fastest-charging non-Tesla EVs available in Iceland at this price point.
• Safety First: Season-appropriate tyres, Front Assist AEB, 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.

VW ID.3 vs Tesla Model Y: Which EV Fits Your Iceland Trip?

Rental Locations

The VW ID.3 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)

Iceland Public CCS Charging Network

The ID.3 uses CCS (Combined Charging System) — compatible with Iceland’s public charging network operated by ON Power, Ísorka, and other providers. CCS chargers are available in Reykjavík, major towns, and at key stops along the Ring Road. Coverage is good in and around Reykjavík and on the southern Ring Road; less comprehensive in the East Fjords, Westfjords, and remote northern sections. Always plan your charging stop before departure — do not rely on finding a charger en route.

For current CCS charger locations, use the Chargemap app or the ON Power / Ísorka apps before departure.

Road Trips with the VW ID.3

ID 3 Car Rental FAQ in Iceland

• • What is the real-world range of the VW ID.3 in Iceland?
    The VW ID.3 Long Range has an official WLTP rating up to 549 km, but real-world range in Iceland’s conditions runs under 400 km — accounting for Iceland’s typical driving speeds, temperatures, and HVAC usage. In summer city conditions, expect the upper end of real-world range. In cold or winter conditions, range drops significantly — potentially below 200 km in severe cold. Always plan with a 20% buffer and identify your charging point before departure.

• • Is the VW ID.3 suitable for the Ring Road?
    The Ring Road is possible in the ID.3 with careful planning, but we recommend upgrading to a larger EV or PHEV category for a more comfortable experience. The real-world range under 400 km combined with Iceland’s public CCS network (less comprehensive than the Tesla Supercharger network along the Ring Road) means more frequent, more carefully planned charging stops than with a longer-range vehicle. For the Ring Road, the Tesla Model Y or any of our AWD PHEV options are better suited.

• • Where can I charge the VW ID.3 in Iceland?
    The ID.3 uses CCS (Combined Charging System) — compatible with Iceland’s public charging network operated by ON Power, Ísorka, and other providers. CCS chargers are well-distributed in and around Reykjavík and along the southern Ring Road. Coverage is less comprehensive in the East Fjords, Westfjords, and remote northern sections. DC fast charging at up to 170 kW reaches 80% in approximately 26 minutes at a compatible charger. Use the ON Power or Ísorka app to locate chargers before departure — do not rely on finding one en route.

• • Can I drive the VW ID.3 on F-roads?
    No. The VW ID.3 is a 2WD rear-wheel-drive vehicle and is strictly forbidden on F-roads and Highland tracks under any circumstances. For F-road eligible vehicles in our fleet, check safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide.

• • Is the VW ID.3 good for winter driving in Iceland?
    For city and short-distance winter driving, the ID.3 with winter tyres is manageable — Reykjavík city use and the Reykjanes Peninsula stay within practical range even with winter range reduction. For the Ring Road or longer winter itineraries, we do not recommend the ID.3 — 2WD RWD in icy conditions combined with significantly reduced winter range makes it the wrong vehicle for demanding winter use. A 4×4 PHEV or AWD vehicle is strongly recommended for Iceland winter driving. For guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.

• • How much luggage fits in the VW ID.3?
    The boot holds 385 litres with all seats in use — fitting 1 large hard-shell suitcase or 2 smaller soft bags. Best suited to 1–2 people travelling light. For 3 or more with full luggage, a larger vehicle is needed.

• • Is the VW ID.3 a guaranteed model?
    No — it is rented on an “or similar” basis. If this exact model is unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable 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.