Mid-Size Car Rental in Iceland

Searching for a mid size car rental in Iceland and also seeing the term “intermediate” everywhere? They’re the same thing — intermediate rental car is simply the technical category name the rental industry uses for what most travellers call a mid-size or family car. At Hertz Iceland, this is our comfort sweet spot: a genuine step up from compact in space and legroom, without the size, cost, or footprint of a full-size SUV.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple wanting extra room, a family of four, or specifically looking for an intermediate suv car rental with a bit more capability, our mid-size range spans efficient 2WD sedans and wagons, all-weather 4×4 crossovers, and electric options — all sized to handle the Ring Road comfortably.

What Is a Mid-Size (Intermediate) Car Rental?

If you’ve been searching “what is a midsize car rental” or “what is an intermediate rental car” — the answer is the same category, just two different names for it. “Intermediate” is the standard rental-industry term; “mid-size” is what most travellers call it in everyday language. Either way, it describes a car positioned between compact and full-size: noticeably more legroom and boot space than a compact, without stepping up to the size, price, or fuel cost of a full-size SUV.

In practical terms for Iceland: choosing mid-size over compact typically gets you around 20% more legroom and an extra 150–200 litres of trunk space — the difference between bags squeezed into the back seat and a clear cabin for a 10-day Ring Road trip. Compared with a full-size SUV, mid-size cars are noticeably easier to manoeuvre and park on Reykjavík’s narrower downtown streets, and carry meaningfully lower fuel or energy costs thanks to their lighter weight.

Trunk Capacity · Mid-Size

See How Much Actually Fits

Shown: KIA Sportage or similar

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Exterior View

Mid-size SUV footprint

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Empty Trunk

3 Large Bags Capacity

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With One 28″ Suitcase

Room remaining for 2 more large bags

Large Bags 3

Seats 5

Drive 4×4

*Photos shown are representative of this vehicle class. Actual boot shape and capacity may vary slightly by “or similar” model.

Why Rent a Mid-Size Car in Iceland?

Most travellers land in this category because it solves a specific problem: compact cars feel cramped for a week-plus road trip, but a full-size SUV is more space and cost than a couple or small family actually needs. A mid size car rental gives you the room to actually enjoy long driving days — real legroom, enough boot space for 3–4 large bags — while staying easy to drive and park in both Reykjavík traffic and out on the open road.

It’s also the category with the widest internal range: efficient 2WD sedans and wagons for summer paved-road trips, 4×4 crossovers for shoulder-season confidence, and electric options for the lowest running cost per kilometre. Whatever your priority — efficiency, all-weather capability, or minimising your energy cost — there’s a mid-size option built around it.

Mid-Size Car Availability and Roads in Iceland

Availability for mid-size cars follows the same pattern as the rest of our fleet: demand climbs through spring and peaks hard in summer. If your trip falls in June, July, or August, book as early as you can — popular models in this category, particularly the 4×4 crossovers, are frequently sold out weeks before the travel date once summer season gets underway.

On road access: if any part of your summer itinerary includes F-roads, Icelandic law requires a 4×4 vehicle — no exceptions. Within our mid-size range, that means choosing from the KIA Sportage or Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, both F-road certified. A 2WD sedan or wagon, and even our electric 4×4 models, are not legally permitted on marked Highland tracks regardless of how capable they feel on paved roads.

Mid-Size vs. Full-Size: Which Should You Choose?

In Iceland, the choice between mid-size and full-size is rarely about which car “can” handle the roads — both handle the paved network without issue. It’s really a question of budget, comfort, and how much luggage you’re carrying. Here’s a fast way to decide.

Charging & Fuelling Made Easy With Your Hertz Mid-Size Rental

Because our mid-size range spans petrol, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models, how you fuel or charge your rental depends on which vehicle you choose — not on the mid-size category itself. Here’s what to expect for each.

Petrol models (Toyota Corolla Sedan & Wagon, Mazda CX-30, Skoda Octavia, KIA Sportage) refuel exactly like any conventional car — self-service pumps found in every town and along all main routes, accepting international cards directly at the pump.

Plug-in hybrid models (Renault Captur PHEV, Hyundai Tucson PHEV) give you the flexibility of both worlds: charge via Type 2 cable at public charging points or your accommodation overnight for electric-only driving through towns, then rely on the petrol engine for open-highway stretches — no range anxiety, no compromise.

Fully electric models (Tesla Model Y, VW ID.4) charge at any of Iceland’s public fast-charging points via the N1, ON Power, or Ísorka apps, with overnight charging available at most hotels along the Ring Road corridor. Download your preferred app and link a payment card before your trip for the smoothest experience.

Money-saving tip: every Hertz Iceland rental — including every mid-size model — comes with an ÓB/Olís discount keychain on the key. Scan it at the pump sensor at any ÓB or Olís station for a small saving on every petrol or diesel refill. For full details on pricing, station locations, and charging networks, see our complete guide to gas stations and fuel prices in Iceland.

Tips on Renting a Mid-Size Car in Iceland

• Keep your group to 4 adults for comfort. Mid-size cars are rated for 5, but a week-long trip with 5 adults and full luggage gets tight — for 5 people, our full-size SUV category is the better fit.
• Match drivetrain to season. 2WD sedans and wagons are ideal for summer paved-road trips; choose a 4×4 crossover for shoulder-season travel, gravel roads, or F-roads.
• Consider electric for long Ring Road circuits. With the 2026 kilometre tax applying to every vehicle, the lower energy cost of the Tesla Model Y or VW ID.4 adds up over a multi-day trip.
• Check F-road status by model, not by category. The KIA Sportage and Hyundai Tucson PHEV are F-road certified. Our electric 4×4s — the Tesla Model Y and VW ID.4 — are not, despite their 4×4 drivetrains.
• Wagons offer meaningfully more boot space than sedans. If luggage is tight, the Corolla Wagon or Skoda Octavia carry noticeably more than their sedan equivalents.

The Real Cost: 2026 Road Usage Charge

As of January 1, 2026, the Icelandic government replaced older fuel taxes with a kilometre-based Road Usage Charge, applying to every vehicle — including all mid-size rentals.

Quick Comparison: Which Mid-Size Car Suits You?

Mid-Size Rental Requirements in Iceland

• CDW and TPL insurance are included as standard on every mid-size rental.
• No mid-size vehicle, including the electric 4×4 models, is permitted on F-roads. A dedicated 4×4 rental is required for Highland driving.
• Winter tyres are fitted automatically from November through April at no extra cost.
• Valid driver’s licence held for a minimum of 1 year is required for all models.
• For groups of 5 adults with full luggage, we recommend our full-size SUV category instead for comfort on multi-day trips.

Pick Up Locations for Your Mid-Size Car

For the fastest start to your trip, pick up directly at Keflavík International Airport — our counter is inside the Arrivals Hall, so you can collect your mid-size rental immediately after landing with no shuttle wait. If you’re spending time in Reykjavík first, our downtown office is the more convenient option before your day trips begin.

Our Intermediate Cars at a Glance