Automatic Car Rental Iceland: The Most Convenient Way to Drive Iceland

Experience Iceland without the hassle of shifting gears. Whether you are navigating the stop-and-go traffic of Reykjavík or cruising the long stretches of the Ring Road, an automatic rental car offers the ultimate driving comfort.

At Hertz Iceland, we offer a wide range of automatic vehicles, from compact city cars to robust 4x4s. While rental rates automatic models are slightly more expensive than manual cars due to their higher manufacturing cost, the seamless driving experience they provide—especially on Iceland’s winding and hilly roads—is well worth the upgrade.

Why Choose an Automatic Rental in Iceland?

Driving in Iceland is unlike driving anywhere else. With narrow roads, changing weather, and endless stunning scenery, you want your driving experience to be as smooth as possible. Here is why upgrading to an automatic is the smart choice for your trip:

1. Smoother Driving on Complex Terrain

Iceland’s roads are full of twists, turns, and steep hills. An automatic transmission ensures a seamless ride by handling the constant gear shifts for you. This is especially helpful on winding fjord roads or when stopping on steep inclines, where you don’t have to worry about clutch control or rolling back. You get a steady flow, allowing you to focus entirely on steering through the landscape.

2. A Worthwhile Upgrade (Price vs. Comfort)

You may notice that automatic rentals are priced slightly higher than manual vehicles. This reflects the higher manufacturing cost of modern automatic cars. However, for most travelers, this small extra cost is a valuable investment. It significantly reduces driver fatigue on long travel days, allowing you to arrive at your destination fresh and relaxed.

3. Focus and Safety in Winter

Winter driving demands full concentration. While manual cars offer specific advantages for getting out of deep snow, an automatic allows you to keep both hands firmly on the wheel and your eyes scanning for sudden weather changes. The continuous power delivery helps maintain smooth momentum on icy patches without the risk of jerky gear changes upsetting the vehicle’s balance.

Choose Your Automatic Vehicle

At Hertz Iceland, we don’t limit automatic transmissions to just luxury cars. We offer automatic options in every vehicle category, ensuring you can drive your preferred car style without the hassle of a manual gearbox.

Economy & Compact Automatics

Best for: Reykjavík City Breaks & The Golden Circle

Perfect for couples or solo travelers sticking to paved roads. These compact cars are easy to park in downtown Reykjavík and offer excellent fuel efficiency. Choosing an automatic in this class gives you a stress-free “zip-around” experience without the fatigue of shifting gears in city traffic.

Renault Captur | Automatic | 2WD

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Toyota Yaris | Automatic | 2WD

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VW Golf | Automatic | 2WD

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Automatic 4x4s & SUVs

Best for: The Ring Road & Family Trips

This is our most popular category. Driving the full Ring Road involves long hours behind the wheel, often on changing road surfaces. An automatic SUV provides the comfort and space you need for the journey, with the added benefit of smooth power delivery on gravel sections. We have everything from mid-size crossovers to 7-seater family SUVs available in automatic.

Toyota Land Cruiser | Automatic | 4×4

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KIA Sportage | Automatic | 4×4

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Hyundai Tucson PHEV | Automatic | 4×4

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Luxury & Electric Automatics

Best for: Premium Comfort & Eco-Travel

For the ultimate smooth ride, choose our Luxury or Electric range. Electric vehicles (EVs) like the VW ID.4 are automatic by design, offering instant torque and silence. Our luxury 4x4s combine premium leather interiors with advanced automatic gearboxes that make even the roughest roads feel refined.

Land Rover Defender 130 SUV | Automatic | 4×4

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Toyota Land Cruiser 250  | Automatic | 4×4

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BMW X5 PHEV | Automatic | 4×4

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Range Rover Sport PHEV | Automatic | 4×4

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VW ID.4 EV| Automatic | 4×4

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ID.3 EV | Automatic | 2WD

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Automatic vs Manual Cars in Iceland: Which Should You Choose?

Recommendation: Choose automatic if you want stress-free driving and plan to book 2-4 weeks in advance. Choose manual if budget is priority and you’re experienced with manual transmission.