Rent a 4WD vehicle for your Iceland vacation

Hire a 4×4 in Iceland to travel in comfort and freedom all year round. The 4WD cars are the best to handle Icelandic fast-changing weather, rugged terrain, and different road conditions, especially during the winter months. 4×4 cars are also the only type of vehicles allowed to be driven on the F-roads. If you plan to visit the highlands, drive around the island via the ring road, or visit Iceland’s best attractions and hidden gems, a 4WD rental car will always be your best companion.

rent a new land rover defender in Iceland

Hertz Iceland offers a wide variety of 4×4 Iceland rental vehicles with different price ranges for hire that fit your needs: 4×4 SUVs, 4WD Jeep cars, 4×4 campers, 4WD vans, pickup trucks, and minibus can be rented and picked up from our rental offices upon request.

Why are 4×4 cars the best car rental option in Iceland at all times?

Whether you’re visiting during the summer or braving the winter landscapes, a 4WD vehicle provides unmatched capabilities to navigate Iceland’s unique road conditions and rapidly changing weather. We’ll highlight the 4 reasons why renting a 4WD car is crucial for your Icelandic adventure, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.

1. 4WD cars can conquer Iceland’s Rugged Terrain

Iceland boasts breathtaking landscapes, including rugged terrains and off-road trails that are simply irresistible to explore. A 4WD car from Hertz Iceland equips you with the necessary capabilities to conquer these challenging terrains. From traversing gravel roads to venturing into the stunning Highlands in summer time, a 4WD vehicle ensures you can reach remote areas and witness Iceland’s natural wonders up close.

2. 4WD cars can tackle Iceland’s Unpredictable Weather

Icelandic weather is notorious for its rapid changes, even within a single day. Renting a 4WD car provides you with enhanced stability and traction, enabling you to navigate through rain, snow, or ice with confidence. The robust design and all-wheel drive feature of a 4WD vehicle ensure better control and handling, keeping you safe and secure on the road, regardless of the weather conditions.

3. Safety and Peace of Mind

The safety of your Icelandic adventure is paramount, and a 4WD car offers added peace of mind. The superior traction and stability provided by a 4WD vehicle significantly reduce the risk of skidding or getting stuck in challenging road conditions. When venturing into remote areas with limited or no cell phone coverage, having a reliable 4WD car ensures you can handle unexpected situations and maintain a safe travel experience.

4. Access Remote and Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Iceland is a land of hidden treasures and remote destinations that are best accessed with a 4WD vehicle. From secluded waterfalls to untouched landscapes, having a 4WD car opens up a world of possibilities for exploration. Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Iceland by venturing off the main tourist routes, discovering hidden gems that few others have the opportunity to experience.

5. Versatility and Comfort

Renting a 4WD car doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort and convenience. Hertz Iceland offers a wide range of 4WD vehicles, from compact SUVs to spacious family-friendly options. These vehicles are equipped with modern amenities and comfortable interiors, ensuring a pleasant journey for you and your fellow travelers. Enjoy the versatility of a 4WD car that combines rugged capability with the comforts you desire during your Icelandic adventure.

Rent a new Defender for your Icelandic road trip

Do I need a 4×4 car in Iceland?

The necessity of renting a 4WD vehicle for an Iceland road trip depends on various factors, including the travel season, destinations in Iceland, and the size of your travel group with their luggage. Winter travel often necessitates a 4WD for safety due to unpredictable weather. Travelers staying within Reykjavik might manage with a 2WD, but exploring remote areas requires a 4WD.

For a detailed analysis, read the full post “Do You Need a 4×4 Rental Car in Iceland?

What is the minimum age to rent a 4×4 car in Iceland?

You must be at least 20 years old to rent the smallest 4WD car with Hertz Iceland. Most bigger-sized 4×4 cars require the renter to be at least 23 or 25 years old, depending on the type and class.

What coverage is available in Iceland when renting a car?

When renting a car in Iceland with Hertz, CDW, and TPL are included for free. There is also a 0-excess MAX coverage package we offer to our customers. You can find more price and coverage details on our car protection coverages page.

Any situation you must rent a 4WD car in Iceland when travelling?

According to Icelandic traffic law, you must rent a 4×4 car when driving on any F-roads in Iceland.

We also highly recommend those who plan to visit Iceland during winter hire a 4WD vehicle due to the highly unpredictable weather and snowy, icy road conditions.

4x4 rental car iceland

Why rent a car in Iceland with Hertz Iceland?

We have 13 rental stations around the country, including Keflavik international airport, Reykjavik airport, Reykjavik downtown and Akureyri airport. According to your travel plan, you could easily pick up and drop off your rental car.

Not only with high flexibility and convenience in renting and returning cars, but we are also collaborating with car repair shops across Iceland. That means Hertz Iceland can assist you regardless of where you are and when you need help. The rental price includes unlimited mileage, VAT and CDW car insurance.

We only offer high-quality new rental cars to our guests. Get your vehicle at the airport arrivals hall and start your Iceland road adventure the way you like.

Rates include
Unlimited Mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & vat.

Please note: The 4×4 vehicles grouped on this page are because of their 4WD capability, and they do not belong to the same car category.

(i.e. economy/compact/intermediate/full size/luxury etc.)

If the 4×4 car you booked is not available at your pick up location, it will be replaced or upgraded according to their initial car category.

i.e. the replacement car will be from the same car category — economy/compact/intermediate etc.,

And the upgrade would also be done according to the car categories. For example, an upgrade from the economy category would be compact, an upgrade from the compact category would be intermediate etc.

Feel free to send us an email or call our customer service centre if you have any questions. We are happy to assist at all times.

Hertz Iceland offers wide varieties of 4x4 rental cars in Iceland

rent a hyundai Tucson in Iceland

Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

IFAI | Group: N3 (IFAI)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. NOTE: Allowed on roads no.35 and 550. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Hybrid
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 46 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Rent a Kia Sorento PHEV in Iceland

Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

SFDI | Group: O6 (SFDI)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. NOTE: Allowed on-road no.35 and 550. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Large Luggage
  • Hybrid
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 38 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
4wd land rover defender hire in iceland

Land Rover Defender or similar | Automatic | 4×4

PFAN | Group: G6 (PFAN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for highlands, Please read the Terms & Conditions. You must be 25 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 234 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps
Rent the 4wd land rover defender in Iceland

Land Rover Defender Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

PFAI | Group: L6 (PFAI)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for highlands, Please read the Terms & Conditions. You must be 25 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Hybrid
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 77 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
Mercedes Benz GLE Plug In Hybrid 2022 rental in Iceland

Mercedes Benz GLE Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

UFAI | Group: I6 (UFAI)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. But It is permitted on roads no.35 and 550. You must be 25 years of age to drive the vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Large Luggage
  • Hybrid
  • 19 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
rent a tesla model Y in Iceland

Tesla Model Y or similar | Automatic | 4×4

UGDC | Group: V1 (UGDC)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Large Luggage
  • Electric
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Traction Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
Iceland 4x4 camper rental

Toyota Hilux Camper or similar | Manual | 4×4 | Sleeps 3

SHMN | Group: S (SHMN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 4 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read the Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 242 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Toyota Hilux Pickup or similar | Manual | 4x4 rental car in Iceland

Toyota Hilux Pickup or similar | Manual | 4×4

FPMN | Group: G1 (FPMN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 4 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read the Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 245 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
VW Caravelle 9 seater van rental in Iceland

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

FMDN | Group: D2 (FMDN)

  • 9 Seats
  • Automatic
  • 7 Large Luggage, 2 Small luggage
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 2 Small Bags
  • 7 Large Bags
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 217 C02 g/km
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
Suzuki Swift rental car in Iceland

Suzuki Swift or similar | Manual | 4×4

ESMN | Group: A2 (ESMN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 2 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 128 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Suzuki-SX4 rental car in Iceland

Suzuki SX4 or similar | Manual | 4×4

HMMN | Group: K (HMMN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 4 Doors

Not allowed in the highlands

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 125 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Skoda Octavia rental car in Iceland

Skoda Octavia Wagon or similar | Manual | 4×4

IWMN | Group: E (IWMN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. But It is allowed on roads no.35 and 550.

Additional Features
  • 4 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 153 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Skoda Octavia rental car in Iceland

Skoda Octavia Wagon or similar | Automatic | 4×4

IWAN | Group: P (IWAN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. But It is permitted on roads no.35 and 550.

Additional Features
  • 4 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 153 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Suziki Jimny rental car in Iceland

Suzuki Jimny or similar | Manual | 4×4

EFMN | Group: E1 (EFMN)

  • 4 Seats
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 3 Doors

Allowed in the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions.

Additional Features
  • 2 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 154 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
new Dacia Duster rental car in Iceland

Dacia Duster or similar| Manual | 4×4

CFMN | Group: E2 (CFMN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 139 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
KIA Sportage or similar| automatic | 4x4

KIA Sportage or similar| Manual | 4×4

IFMN | Group: F (IFMN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 150 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Rent a Kia Sorento PHEV in Iceland

KIA Sorento or similar | Automatic | 4×4

SFAN | Group: O2 (SFAN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 164 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
KIA Sportage or similar| automatic | 4x4

KIA Sportage or similar | Automatic | 4×4

IFAR | Group: O (IFAR)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 156 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Land cruiser 5 seater rental in Iceland

5 seats Toyota Land Cruiser or similar| Automatic | 4×4

FFAR | Group: I (FFAR)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 5 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 251 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Toyota-Land-Cruiser-7-seater rental in Iceland

Toyota Land Cruiser 7 seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4

FVAN | Group: H (FVAN)

  • 7 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 2 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 252 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
VW Caravelle 9 seater van rental in Iceland

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

FVMN | Group: D (FVMN)

  • 9 Seats
  • Manual
  • 7 Large Luggage, 2 Small luggage
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 2 Small Bags
  • 7 Large Bags
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 198 C02 g/km
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Mercedes-Benz-Sprinter-15-seater rental Iceland

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 15 seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4

FVAR | Group: W (FVAR)

  • 15 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 238 C02 g/km
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags