Is the Defender PHEV permitted on F-roads?

Yes — in summer only. The Defender PHEV is the only PHEV in the Hertz Iceland fleet permitted on F-roads and Highland tracks. Always check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering Highland areas.

What is the minimum age to rent the Defender PHEV?

The minimum age is 23 years old. Two valid credit cards in the main renter's name must be presented at pickup.

Is the charging cable included?

No. The charging cable must be added separately during booking at hertz.is. Without it, the Defender PHEV operates as a fully capable petrol AWD. The PHEV supports DC fast-charging up to 50 kW and AC charging at 7.4 kW when the cable is added.

How does the PHEV system work in Iceland?

The Defender PHEV combines a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine with a 105 kW electric motor for 398 bhp combined. It offers approximately 40–43 km of electric-only range, most useful for city driving. The petrol engine handles longer Ring Road days and all F-road driving.

Defender PHEV vs Defender gas — which is better for Iceland?

Both have identical F-road clearance and AWD capability. The PHEV adds ~40 km electric range and DC fast-charging. The gas Defender offers more boot space (~116L more) and higher towing capacity (3,500 kg vs 3,000 kg). For pure highland capability, both are equally capable.

Any driving tips for F-roads and the Highlands?

Check road.is for road status, vedur.is for weather, and safetravel.is for travel alerts before every highland departure. Visit safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide to confirm F-road eligibility. Drive slowly on gravel and never attempt closed routes or unbridged river crossings alone.

Does Hertz Iceland offer Roadside Assistance?

Yes. Roadside Assistance can be added at the rental desk at pickup — not bookable online. It costs 1,990 ISK/day standalone, or 990 ISK/day with MAX Coverage. Pay the service fee at the time of assistance and bring your receipt on return for a refund. Emergency line: +354 858 0499 (24/7).

Where can I find driving safety information for Iceland?

Hertz Iceland operates safe.hertz.is — a dedicated driving safety hub covering F-road guidance, winter driving, road conditions, and emergency contacts. Available to all travellers in Iceland, not just Hertz customers.

Land Rover Defender PHEV Rental Iceland | Plug-in Hybrid AWD | F-Road

_{^{Last updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by the Hertz Iceland Fleet Team}}

The Land Rover Defender 110 Plug-in Hybrid is a PHEV permitted on F-roads. It combines a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine with a 105 kW electric motor for 398 bhp combined, permanent AWD, and DC fast-charging capability — giving you highland track access alongside PHEV efficiency. Rented on an “or similar” basis. Minimum age 23. Two credit cards required at pickup. Charging cable not included — add at booking via hertz.is.

Land Rover Defender 110 PHEV Rental Iceland: Plug-in Hybrid AWD Guide

The Land Rover Defender 110 Plug-in Hybrid occupies a unique position in the Hertz Iceland fleet — it is the only plug-in hybrid vehicle we operate that is permitted on Iceland’s F-roads and Highland tracks. Every other PHEV in the fleet (BMW X3, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Tucson) is limited to paved and gravel roads. The Defender PHEV is not.

It combines Land Rover’s full Terrain Response 4×4 system, air suspension, and twin-speed transfer case with a 398 bhp petrol-electric drivetrain and DC fast-charging capability. For travellers who want premium highland access and PHEV fuel efficiency in a single vehicle — without choosing between the two — this is the only option in our fleet that delivers both.

⚠️ Important: The charging cable is not included as standard. Add it during booking at hertz.is. Without the cable, the Defender PHEV operates as a full-capability petrol AWD — still entirely capable on F-roads and all Iceland road types.

Feature	Specification
Drive System	Permanent AWD (4×4), twin-speed transfer case, locking differentials
Transmission	Automatic (8-speed)
Fuel Type	Plug-in Hybrid (2.0L petrol + 105 kW electric motor)
Combined Output	398 bhp / 640 Nm
Seats	5
Luggage Capacity	4 large suitcases + soft bags (boot slightly reduced vs gas Defender)
EV Range (WLTP)	40–43 km (real-world ~37–43 km)
DC Fast Charging	Up to 50 kW (~30 min to 80%)
AC Charging	7.4 kW (~2 hours full charge)
Best For	F-roads, Highlands, Ring Road, year-round — with PHEV efficiency
Allowed Road Types	Paved Roads, Gravel & F-Roads (summer only, check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide)
Charging Cable	Not included — add at booking via hertz.is
Credit Cards	Two credit cards required at pickup
Model	Or Similar — comparable large AWD PHEV provided if unavailable
Roadside Assistance	Available at pickup desk, from 990 ISK/day with MAX Coverage

💡 Hertz Insider Tip

“In Iceland, the Defender PHEV’s ~40 km of electric range is most useful for Reykjavík city driving and hotel-to-trailhead runs before you hit the highland tracks. Charge overnight at your accommodation wherever possible — the DC fast-charging capability means a 30-minute stop at a compatible charger adds significant range back. On F-roads and remote highland routes, treat it as a powerful petrol 4×4 and don’t stress about charging infrastructure that isn’t there.”

Is the Land Rover Defender PHEV Good for Driving in Iceland?

Yes — it’s the most capable PHEV in the Hertz Iceland fleet and the only one with unrestricted F-road access.

Real-World Space: 4 large hard-shell suitcases plus additional soft bags with all five seats in use. Note the PHEV battery pack raises the boot floor by 36mm and reduces total boot volume by approximately 116 litres compared to the petrol/diesel Defender — still generous for five people, but worth noting for groups with maximum luggage.
F-Road & Highland Capability: Full Terrain Response system with dedicated drive modes (Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl), air suspension, locking differentials, 291mm ground clearance, and 900mm wading depth. The electric motor’s instant torque delivery provides additional advantage on low-speed technical F-road sections. Check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering any F-road.
Performance: 398 bhp combined, 640 Nm torque, 0–100 km/h in 5.6 seconds — the fastest-accelerating Defender variant outside the V8. More than sufficient for Iceland’s highland ascents and main road driving.
EV Range & Charging: WLTP-rated 40–43 km electric range, real-world ~37–43 km. DC fast-charging to 80% in approximately 30 minutes — unique among PHEVs in the fleet. AC charging via 7.4 kW wallbox takes approximately 2 hours for a full charge.
Winter Performance: Permanent AWD with Terrain Response Snow mode and winter tyres provides exceptional confidence on Iceland’s winter main roads. F-roads are closed in winter. For winter driving guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.
Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP. Standard autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, 3D surround camera, and driver condition monitor across all PHEV trims.

When Is the Defender PHEV the Right Choice?

Summer F-road season (June–August): The Defender PHEV’s defining advantage — F-road access combined with PHEV efficiency on the paved highway legs getting there. Charge in Reykjavík, drive on petrol through the highlands, charge again at your next hotel.
Year-Round Ring Road: Powerful, comfortable, and capable in all weather. AWD with winter tyres and Terrain Response Snow mode for winter; full highland access for summer.
Eco-conscious Highland travellers: The only way to reach Iceland’s F-road destinations in a plug-in hybrid vehicle — no other PHEV in the fleet is permitted there.

⚠️ Not ideal if:

You need maximum towing capacity — the PHEV is rated to 3,000 kg vs the gas Defender’s 3,500 kg.
You need maximum boot space — the PHEV battery reduces boot volume by ~116L and raises the floor 36mm vs the gas Defender. For maximum luggage capacity, the gas Defender 110 is the better choice.
You cannot present two credit cards at pickup — this is non-negotiable for all Defender rentals.
You need a guaranteed specific model — booked “or similar.”

Rental Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum Age: 23 years old.
License: Valid driving license held for a minimum of 1 year. IDP required if license is not in Roman script.
Payment: Two valid credit cards in the main renter’s name required at pickup.
Charging Cable: Not included as standard — add at booking via hertz.is.
F-Road Policy: Permitted (summer only). Check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering Highland areas.

Read the Full rental Requirement & Cancellation Policy

Inside the Land Rover Defender PHEV

The Defender PHEV cabin is identical in character to the gas Defender — commanding, purpose-built, and unmistakably premium without being fussy. The difference you notice in the PHEV is in how the vehicle moves: the electric motor’s instant torque delivery makes low-speed manoeuvring on highland tracks and tight gravel switchbacks noticeably more precise, and at motorway speeds on the Ring Road the transition between electric and petrol power is seamless enough that you’ll rarely notice it happening.

The 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen manages Terrain Response modes, navigation, and charging status in one interface — useful when you’re switching between road types and want the vehicle to reconfigure itself without manual adjustment. The PHEV-specific drive display also shows battery state and power flow, though in practice most Defender PHEV drivers in Iceland use it as a reference rather than actively managing it.

Heated seats, air suspension, and the elevated driving position remain unchanged from the gas version — five adults sit comfortably, the rear doors open wide for access on uneven highland parking, and the boot, while slightly shallower than the gas Defender, loads four large suitcases without difficulty.

The sound profile is the most distinctive difference: at low speeds and in city driving, the Defender PHEV runs nearly silently on electric power — an unusual experience in a vehicle this size and capable.

Land Rover Defender PHEV Dimensions, Seating and Luggage

Specification	Detail
Car Class	Full-Size Luxury 4×4 PHEV
Body	Defender 110 (5-door)
Number of Seats	5
Transmission	Automatic (8-speed)
Fuel Type	Plug-in Hybrid (2.0L Ingenium turbo-petrol + 105 kW electric motor)
Combined Output	398 bhp (404 PS) / 640 Nm
0–100 km/h	5.6 seconds
Battery Capacity	19.2 kWh lithium-ion
EV Range (WLTP)	40–43 km
Real-World EV Range	~37–43 km
DC Fast Charging	Up to 50 kW (~30 min to 80%)
AC Charging	7.4 kW (~2 hours full)
Drive System	Permanent AWD, twin-speed transfer case, locking differentials
Terrain Response	Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl modes
Ground Clearance	Up to 291mm (air suspension)
Wading Depth	Up to 900mm
Towing Capacity	3,000 kg
Boot vs Gas Defender	~116L reduced, floor raised 36mm
Luggage Capacity	4 large suitcases + soft bags
CO2 Emissions	60–75 g/km (WLTP combined)
Euro NCAP	5 stars

Why Rent a Land Rover Defender Plug-in Hybrid in Iceland with Hertz Iceland?

Choosing Hertz Iceland means renting from a locally owned operator with over 50 years of experience, operating in Iceland since 1971. We have been recognised as Iceland’s Leading Car Rental Company at the World Travel Awards in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2025 — and are proud to be nominated again in 2026.
The Only F-Road PHEV in Our Fleet: The Defender PHEV is the sole plug-in hybrid vehicle we operate with F-road clearance — no other PHEV or EV in our fleet accesses the Highlands.
Or Similar Guarantee: If this exact model is unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable large AWD PHEV. Never downgraded in capability class.
Under 2 Years Old: Every Defender in our fleet is under two years old — full warranty in effect, current specification.
Safety First: 5-star Euro NCAP, season-appropriate tyres, 24/7 emergency phone assistance. For pre-trip safety planning, visit safe.hertz.is.
Convenience: Available across all 11 Hertz Iceland locations with direct pickup at KEF Airport Arrival Hall.

Hertz Iceland: Locally Operated Since 1971

As Iceland’s premier local experts for over 55 years, we combine international standards with deep-rooted knowledge of Icelandic terrain. Rent with the authority that knows every F-road and weather pattern since 1971.

Defender PHEV vs Defender Gas: Which Fits Your Iceland Trip?

Feature	Defender PHEV	Defender Gas
Fuel Type	Plug-in Hybrid	Petrol or Diesel
Combined Output	398 bhp	Up to 400 bhp (P400)
EV Range	40–43 km	None
DC Fast Charging	Yes (~30 min to 80%)	N/A
F-Road Access	Permitted (summer)	Permitted (summer)
Boot Space	Slightly reduced (~116L less)	Full capacity
Towing	3,000 kg	Up to 3,500 kg
Charging Cable	Add at booking	N/A
Credit Cards	2 required at pickup	2 required at pickup
Best For	Efficiency + F-road access	Maximum boot/towing
Model Type	Or similar	Or similar

Rental Locations

The Land Rover Defender PHEV is available across all 11 Hertz Iceland locations:

Our Iceland Rental Locations

Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

The most convenient pick-up point for international arrivals.

Summer (1 May – 30 Nov): 24/7
Winter (1 Dec – 30 Apr): Mon-Sun: 05:30–02:00

Reykjavík Downtown

📍 Flugvallarvegi 5
Mon–Fri: 08:00–17:00 | Weekends: 08:00–15:00
Self-service pick-up outside staffed hours

Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV)

Mon–Fri: 08:00–17:00
Weekends: 09:00–15:00

Keflavik Downtown

Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:00

Akureyri Airport (AEY)

Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:00
Key box pick-up during terminal hours

Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS)

Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:00
Key box pick-up available

Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ)

Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:00
Key box pick-up available

Höfn Airport (HFN)

Please contact the Hertz Iceland Service Centre for current operating hours.

Hafnarfjörður Selhella (HQ)

Mon–Fri: 08:00–17:00
Weekends: CLOSED

Bíldudalur Airport (BIU)

Operates only upon receipt of confirmed bookings. Must book in advance.
Contact to confirm: hertz@hertz.is

Skagaströnd Support Station

Operates only upon receipt of confirmed bookings. Must book in advance.
Contact to confirm: hertz@hertz.is

What’s Included in Your Rental

24/7 emergency phone support across Iceland
Unlimited mileage
Free cancellation up to 16 days before pickup
Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Third-party liability coverage
VAT and local taxes
Season-appropriate tyres

⚠️ Charging cable not included — add at booking via hertz.is.
⚠️ Two credit cards required at pickup

Important: New Iceland Road Tax (2026)

As of January 1, 2026, the Icelandic government requires a mandatory Kilometer Tax on this vehicle type. This replaces traditional fuel taxes with a usage-based fee.

✔ Transparent Pay-Per-Km Pricing

Government Road Tax: 6.95 ISK / km
Hertz Service Fee: 1.40 ISK / km (+ VAT)

*Approx. 0.056 USD/km (Gov) + 0.011 USD/km (Service). Charged based on actual distance driven at the end of your rental.

Questions? For inquiries regarding the Icelandic Road Tax or billing specifics, please contact our dedicated support team at: roadtax@hertz.is

Roadside Assistance

Help when you need it most — for common situations on the road.

ℹ️ What is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside Assistance provides professional on-site support to resolve vehicle issues wherever you are in Iceland. Whenever an incident occurs, our team evaluates the situation on a case-by-case basis to determine the fastest, most effective solution to get you back on the road safely without unnecessary delays.

What’s covered

This add-on covers Roadside Assistance for the following common situations:

⬤ Locked out of your vehicle
⬤ Flat or punctured tyre
⬤ Drained battery
⬤ Running out of fuel

⚠️ Important Exclusion: Roadside Assistance required due to accidents or driver fault is not covered.

*This includes, but is not limited to: loss of car keys, rim damages, water damage, filling the tank with the wrong fuel, and any other rental car damage caused by the driver.

💳 How it works: If you require Roadside Assistance, you will need to pay the third-party service provider directly on-site first. YOU MUST KEEP YOUR RECEIPT! Present this receipt to our team when you return your rental car, and Hertz Iceland will refund the eligible amount directly back to your card.

Pricing

Stand-alone Roadside Assistance	1,990 kr./day
With Max Cover Roadside Assistance	990 kr./day

Best Value Add to Max Cover and save 1,000 kr./day

Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference

Travel with peace of mind. We offer a Newer, Reliable Fleet (under 2 years old, low mileage), a Prime Location (inside Keflavik Airport (KEF) arrival hall), and comprehensive, cross-country Nationwide Support with premium customer service—just a phone call away.

Road Trips with the Land Rover Defender PHEV

Road Trips with the Defender PHEV

The Defender PHEV is the only vehicle in our fleet that combines plug-in hybrid efficiency with full F-road clearance. These routes make use of both — EV mode where the infrastructure supports it, petrol 4×4 capability where it doesn’t.

Landmannalaugar via F-Road 208

ReykjavíkHellaF208Landmannalaugar

The Defender PHEV is the only plug-in hybrid in our fleet that can legally and capably reach Landmannalaugar via F-road 208. Leave Reykjavík on electric power, transition to petrol as you approach Hella, then engage Terrain Response for the highland track approach — river crossings, loose volcanic gravel, and steep descents handled by the same twin-speed transfer case and locking differentials as the full Defender range. Wade Sensing displays water depth on-screen for the river crossings. The instant torque from the electric motor is a genuine advantage on technical low-speed sections. Check safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide and road.is before departure.

Charging Tip: Charge fully in Reykjavík before departure — no charging at Landmannalaugar. Use EV mode through the city and southern highway, petrol for the highland approach. F208 typically opens late June.

Kjölur Route (F35) with PHEV Efficiency

ReykjavíkGullfossF35 KjölurKerlingarfjöllAkureyri

The Kjölur route — F35 — is Iceland’s most accessible highland crossing, running between Gullfoss in the south and Blönduós in the north, passing the remote Hveravellir geothermal hot springs and the dramatic Kerlingarfjöll rhyolite mountains. The Defender PHEV handles the route in the same terrain modes as the gas Defender, with the added benefit of EV efficiency on the paved Reykjavík-to-Gullfoss approach. Charge at Gullfoss or Selfoss on the way, then rely on petrol for the highland crossing. Drop the vehicle at Hertz Akureyri Airport on arrival.

Best Time: Late June to early September. Check road.is before the highland section. Visit safe.hertz.is for highland driving preparation. DC fast-charging available in Borgarnes and Akureyri for top-ups at either end.

Full Ring Road with Highland Detour

KEFReykjavík (EV)South CoastF-road detourEast FjordsAkureyriReykjavík

The full Ring Road in a Defender PHEV works as a layered efficiency strategy: EV mode for Reykjavík city driving and short hotel-to-attraction legs, petrol for long Ring Road highway stretches, and full Terrain Response 4×4 capability for any summer F-road detours along the way. The DC fast-charging capability means charging stops at N1 and Orkan stations along the Ring Road are genuinely quick — 30 minutes to 80% rather than the 2+ hours typical of AC-only PHEVs. With all 11 Hertz Iceland locations accessible along the route, one-way rental flexibility is full.

Best Time: Year-round on main roads. June–August for F-road detour options. Allow 7–10 days for the full loop. Download the ON Power app before departure to plan DC fast-charging stops.

PHEV Land Rover Defender 4×4 Rental FAQ

Land Rover Defender PHEV – FAQs

- Is the Defender PHEV permitted on F-roads?
  Yes — in summer only. The Defender PHEV is the only PHEV in the Hertz Iceland fleet permitted on F-roads and Highland tracks. F-roads are closed in winter. Always check road.is for current road status and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide to confirm vehicle eligibility before entering Highland areas.

- What is the minimum age to rent the Defender PHEV?
  The minimum age is 23 years old. A valid driving licence held for at least one year is required. If your licence is not in Roman script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required. Two valid credit cards in the main renter’s name must be presented at pickup.

- Is the charging cable included?
  No. The charging cable must be added separately during booking at hertz.is. Without it, the Defender PHEV operates as a fully capable petrol AWD — ideal for F-road and highland use where charging infrastructure is not available. The PHEV supports DC fast-charging up to 50 kW (~30 minutes to 80%) and AC charging at 7.4 kW (~2 hours full charge) when the cable is added.

- How does the PHEV system work in Iceland?
  The Defender PHEV combines a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine with a 105 kW electric motor for 398 bhp combined output. It offers approximately 40–43 km of electric-only range (real-world ~37–43 km) — most useful for Reykjavík city driving and shorter hotel-to-attraction legs. The petrol engine handles longer Ring Road days and all highland F-road driving where charging is unavailable. The hybrid system manages power delivery automatically, so you don’t need to actively switch between modes.

- Defender PHEV vs Defender gas — which is better for Iceland?
  Both have identical F-road clearance, Terrain Response capability, AWD, and automatic transmission. The PHEV adds ~40 km of electric range and DC fast-charging capability — better for travellers combining Ring Road driving with city stays where overnight charging is available. The gas Defender offers more boot space (~116L more), higher towing capacity (3,500 kg vs 3,000 kg), and no charging logistics — better for groups maximising luggage or towing a trailer. For pure highland and F-road capability, both are equally capable.

- Any driving tips for F-roads and the Highlands?
  Check road.is for current road status, vedur.is for weather, and safetravel.is for travel alerts before every highland departure. Visit safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide to confirm this vehicle’s F-road eligibility. Drive slowly on gravel, engage the correct Terrain Response mode for the surface, and never attempt closed routes or unbridged river crossings alone.

- Does Hertz Iceland offer Roadside Assistance?
  Yes. Roadside Assistance can be added at the rental desk at pickup — not bookable online in advance. It costs 1,990 ISK/day standalone, or 990 ISK/day when added with MAX Coverage. If you need assistance during your rental, pay the service fee at the time, then bring your receipt when you return the car — we’ll refund the covered amount to your card on file. Emergency line: +354 858 0499 (24/7).

- Where can I find driving safety information for Iceland?
  Hertz Iceland operates safe.hertz.is — a dedicated driving safety hub covering F-road guidance, winter driving, road conditions, and emergency contacts. Available to all travellers in Iceland, not just Hertz customers.