4×4 car rental in Iceland: your best rental car option all season
Choose a 4WD that matches your destination, from the Ring Road to the Highlands. Our Iceland 4×4 car rental fleet is winter-ready, F-road legal, and available at KEF airport, Reykjavík, Akureyri and more.
Why rent a 4×4 with Hertz Iceland
Choose a 4WD that matches your destination — safe, capable and ready for Iceland.
- F-road legal 4×4 SUVs and pickups (summer Highland access)
- Winter-ready tyres and Iceland-specific safety guidance
- New models under 2 years old, unlimited mileage, CDW included
- Pick up at Keflavík Airport arrivals hall or Reykjavík city
- 24/7 emergency support across Iceland
Pick up your 4×4 where it suits you
Collect your vehicle at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) arrivals hall, Reykjavík city, Reykjavík (RKV) or Akureyri (AEY). One-way returns available (an extra service fee will be charged for one-way return. )
- Keflavík Airport (KEF) — inside arrivals
- Reykjavík city — downtown office
- Reykjavík Airport (RKV)
- Akureyri Airport (AEY)
- 13 stations across Iceland with 24/7 emergency support
Do you need a 4×4 in Iceland?
It depends on season, road type and itinerary. 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.
Why a 4×4 is the best choice in Iceland
1. Conquer rugged terrain
From gravel tracks to summer Highlands, a 4WD reaches remote areas with ease. See our guide to Iceland’s landscapes to understand why clearance and traction matter.
2. Handle unpredictable weather
Weather can change in minutes. A 4WD adds control on rain, snow and ice. For planning, check our year-round weather guide.
3. Safety and peace of mind
The stability of a 4WD reduces risks of skidding or getting stuck. Prepare further with our top 15 safe driving tips.
4. Reach remote destinations
Explore secluded waterfalls and valleys. The Ring Road is smoother with a 4×4, and even the Golden Circle feels safer in winter.
Rent a 4×4 for your Iceland trip
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.
Iceland 4×4 rental FAQs
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Do I need a 4×4 in Iceland?
In winter and on F-roads, yes. For the Highlands in summer, a 4×4 is required by law. For city-only summer trips, 2WD can be fine.
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What are F-roads and when do they open?
Mountain roads signed “F” are usually open summer only. Always check openings and conditions on road.is before you go.
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Can I drive off-road in Iceland?
No. Off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined. Stick to marked roads and tracks.
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Are river crossings allowed with rental cars?
Yes. river crossings are permitted with our F-road allowed 4WD rentals but it will be on your own risk as the underbody of the vehicle are not covered by any insurance.
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Are winter tyres included?
Yes, during the legal winter season. Studded tyres are fitted when appropriate.
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What insurance is included?
CDW and TPL are included. You can add our MAX zero-excess package for extra peace of mind.
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What is the minimum age to rent a 4×4?
From 20 for the smallest 4×4 class; 23–25 for larger models. Check each vehicle card for details.
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Can I pick up at KEF and return in Reykjavík?
Yes. One-way returns are available; fees may apply.
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How much luggage fits in a typical 4×4?
It varies. Each model card shows seats and luggage capacity. If in doubt, size up.
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What should I check before driving an F-road?
Hertz Iceland offers wide varieties of 4x4 rental cars in Iceland
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4
IFAI | Group: N3 (IFAI)
- 5 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Hybrid
- 23+ only
- 3 Large Luggage
Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4
SFDI | Group: O6 (SFDI)
- 5 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Hybrid
- 23+ only
- 4 Large Luggage
Land Rover Defender or similar | Automatic | 4×4
PFAN | Group: G6 (PFAN)
- 5 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
- 3 Large Luggage
Land Rover Defender Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4
PFAI | Group: L6 (PFAI)
- 5 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Hybrid
- 23+ only
- 3 Large Luggage
BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid | Automatic | 4×4
UFAI | Group: I6 (UFAI)
- 5 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Hybrid
- 25+ only
- 3 Large Luggage
Tesla Model Y or similar | Automatic | 4×4
UGDC | Group: V1 (UGDC)
- 5 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Electric
- 23+ only
- 4 Large Luggage
Toyota Hilux Camper or similar | Manual | 4×4 | Sleeps 3
SHMN | Group: S (SHMN)
- 5 Seats
- Manual
- Airconditioning
- 4 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
- 3 Large Luggage
Toyota Hilux Pickup or similar | Manual | 4×4
FPMN | Group: G1 (FPMN)
- 5 Seats
- Manual
- Airconditioning
- 4 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4
FMDN | Group: D2 (FMDN)
- 9 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
- 2 Small Bags
- 7 Large Bags
Suzuki Swift or similar | Manual | 4×4
ESMN | Group: A2 (ESMN)
- 5 Seats
- Manual
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 20+ only
- 2 Large Luggage
Suzuki SX4 or similar | Manual | 4×4
HMMN | Group: K (HMMN)
- 5 Seats
- Manual
- Airconditioning
- 4 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 20+ only
- 3 Large Luggage
Skoda Octavia Wagon or similar | Manual | 4×4
IWMN | Group: E (IWMN)
- 5 Seats
- Manual
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 20+ only
- 4 Large Luggage
Skoda Octavia Wagon or similar | Automatic | 4×4
IWAN | Group: P (IWAN)
- 5 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 20+ only
- 4 Large Luggage
Suzuki Jimny or similar | Manual | 4×4
EFMN | Group: E1 (EFMN)
- 4 Seats
- Manual
- Airconditioning
- 3 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
- 2 Large Luggage
Dacia Duster or similar| Manual | 4×4
CFMN | Group: E2 (CFMN)
- 5 Seats
- Manual
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 20+ only
- 3 Large Luggage
KIA Sportage or similar| Manual | 4×4
IFMN | Group: F (IFMN)
- 5 Seats
- Manual
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 20+ only
- 3 Large Luggage
KIA Sorento or similar | Automatic | 4×4
SFAN | Group: O2 (SFAN)
- 5 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
- 4 Large Luggage
KIA Sportage or similar | Automatic | 4×4
IFAR | Group: O (IFAR)
- 5 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
- 3 Large Luggage
5 seats Toyota Land Cruiser or similar| Automatic | 4×4
FFAR | Group: I (FFAR)
- 5 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
- 5 Large Luggage
Toyota Land Cruiser 7 seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4
FVAN | Group: H (FVAN)
- 7 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
- 2 Large Luggage
VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar | Manual | 4×4
FVMN | Group: D (FVMN)
- 9 Seats
- Manual
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
- 2 Small Bags
- 7 Large Bags
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 15 seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4
FVAR | Group: W (FVAR)
- 15 Seats
- Automatic
- Airconditioning
- 5 Doors
- Petrol or Diesel
- 23+ only
- 1 Large Luggage
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