Secure the safest self-drive experience for your Iceland trip. Whether you are navigating the paved Ring Road in winter or crossing rugged Highland tracks in summer, a 4×4 rental is your best defense against Iceland’s unpredictable weather.
At Hertz Iceland, our 4WD fleet ranges from budget-friendly compact SUVs to robust, F-road legal Land Cruisers. All our 4×4 vehicles come equipped with high-quality winter tires (Nov-April) and are authorized for mountain roads, ensuring you have total control on gravel, snow, and ice.
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, and budget-conscious explorers.
Don’t let a tight budget stop you from exploring the Highlands. Our compact 4WD rentals offer the best of both worlds: affordable rental rates and excellent fuel efficiency, combined with the capability to handle gravel roads and light F-road tracks. These agile vehicles are easy to park in Reykjavík yet robust enough for your summer camping trip to Landmannalaugar.

Dacia Duster| Manual | 4×4

Dacia Duster Camping| Manual | 4×4 + Rooftop Tent| Sleep 2
Perfect for: Families of 4-5, groups with extra luggage, and Ring Road touring.
When traveling with the whole family, comfort and space are non-negotiable. Our mid-to-large size SUVs provide generous trunk capacity for 4-5 suitcases and increased legroom. With higher ground clearance and superior suspension, these vehicles absorb the bumps of Iceland’s gravel roads, ensuring a smoother, safer ride for your passengers on long drives around the Ring Road.

Toyota Land Cruiser | Automatic | 4×4

KIA Sportage | Automatic | 4×4

Hyundai Tucson PHEV | Automatic | 4×4
Perfect for: Photographers, adventurers, and those seeking premium comfort.
Experience Iceland’s raw nature without compromising on luxury. This category features the legendary Land Rover Defender and other premium 4x4s designed for serious performance. Whether you are crossing unbridged rivers in Thórsmörk or chasing the Northern Lights in winter, these vehicles offer advanced 4WD technology, heated seats, and unmatched stability for the ultimate self-drive experience.

Toyota Land Cruiser 250 | Automatic | 4×4

Land Rover Defender | Automatic | 4×4

Land Rover Defender PHEV| Automatic | 4×4
Perfect for: Eco-conscious travelers and winter city/Ring Road driving.
Explore Iceland sustainably with zero emissions. Our electric 4WDs, like the Tesla Model Y, use dual-motor All-Wheel Drive to deliver incredible traction and instant torque. This low center of gravity makes them exceptionally stable on icy winter roads.
Important Restriction: Electric 4WDs are strictly prohibited on F-roads. Because the high-voltage battery is located under the chassis, the low ground clearance creates a critical risk of underbody damage on rough highland terrain. These vehicles are for paved roads and gravel access roads only.

VW ID.4 EV AWD Electric | Automatic | 4×4

Nissan Ariya AWD SUV Electric | Automatic | 4×4

Tesla Model Y | Automatic | 4×4
Not all 4x4s are built for the same terrain. Use this comparison guide to match the vehicle’s capability with your itinerary.
Note: ‘Prestige’ luxury 4×4 models and 4×4 EVs are optimized for on-road comfort and safety, not Highland tracks.
| Vehicle Class | Best For | Luggage Capacity | F-Road Allowed? | Why Choose This? (Iceland Capability) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact 4×4 (e.g. Dacia Duster, Suzuki Jimny) |
Couples, Budget Highland Trips | 2-3 Bags | ✅ YES (Standard F-roads) |
Agility: Lightweight and fuel-efficient. Good traction on gravel, but lower clearance means you must avoid deep rivers. |
| Large Family SUV (e.g. Land Cruiser, Toyota RAV4) |
Families, The Full Ring Road | 4-5 Bags | ✅ YES (All F-roads) |
Clearance: High ground clearance prevents underbody damage on rough tracks. Heavy suspension absorbs pot-holes for a smooth ride. |
| Adventure Luxury (e.g. Land Rover Defender) |
Photographers, Deep Highlands | 5 Bags | ✅ YES (Advanced F-roads) |
Power: Advanced 4WD systems designed for difficult terrain. Combines F-road ruggedness with premium interior comfort. |
| Prestige Luxury (e.g. BMW X5, Range Rover Sport) |
Comfort Touring, Business | 5 Bags | ❌ NO (Paved/Gravel Only) |
Comfort: Optimized for highway stability and luxury. Low-profile tires and sport suspension are not safe for F-road rocks. |
| Electric 4WD (e.g. Tesla Model Y) |
Winter Ring Road, Eco-Travel | 3-4 Bags | ❌ NO (Battery Safety) |
Stability: Heavy battery provides low center of gravity, offering unmatched anti-skid safety on icy paved roads. Battery location prevents F-road use. |
We don’t just rent cars; we provide the safety net for your Icelandic road trip. Here is why thousands of travelers choose Hertz for their 4WD adventure:
Collect your vehicle where it suits your itinerary. We have stations at all major entry points in Iceland.
Yes if you are planning to drive Iceland in Winter months(Nov-March) or on F-roads. For summer city stays, a 2WD may be enough. But if you’re planning the Iceland summer road trip season, heading to the Highlands, or visiting in winter, a 4×4 is the safest choice. For tips on seasonal driving, see our Iceland winter guide and Iceland weather overview.
| Trip plan | Season | Road types | 4×4 needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík + Golden Circle | May–Sep | Paved | Optional |
| Ring Road (Route 1) | May–Sep | Mixed | Recommended |
| Highlands (F-roads) | Jun–Sep | Mountain / gravel | Essential |
| Any itinerary | Oct–Apr | Snow / ice risk | Essential |
Always check road.is for openings and closures.
Hire a 4×4 in Iceland to travel with comfort and control all year. A 4WD handles fast-changing weather, gravel and mountain passes — and it’s the only vehicle type allowed on F-roads to the Highlands in summer. If you’re driving the Ring Road, visiting the Westfjords or exploring beyond Reykjavík, a 4×4 rental is the safest, most versatile choice.
Yes, if you plan to drive in winter or visit the Highlands. For summer trips strictly on the paved Ring Road and Golden Circle, a 2WD is sufficient. However, for maximum safety and the freedom to explore gravel paths, a 4×4 is recommended year-round.
Only if it is a 4×4. It is illegal to drive 2WD vehicles on roads marked with an ‘F’ (e.g., F208). All Hertz 4WD SUVs and jeeps are F-road legal, provided the specific track is open. Always check conditions on road.is.
No. Off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined. Stick to marked roads and tracks.
No. While our 4×4s are capable of crossing unbridged rivers, damage caused by water (engine flooding) is never covered by any insurance in Iceland. Cross rivers at your own risk.
Yes, during the legal winter season. Studded tyres are fitted when appropriate.
CDW and TPL are included. You can add our MAX zero-excess package for extra peace of mind.
From 20 for the smallest 4×4 class; 23–25 for larger models. Check each vehicle card for details.
Yes. One-way returns are available; fees may apply.
It varies. Each model card shows seats and luggage capacity. If in doubt, size up.
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