Car Rental Iceland 4×4: Do You Really Need One? Best 4WD Options for Your Trip

A road trip through Iceland is the ultimate adventure, offering the freedom to explore breathtaking landscapes, hidden geothermal pools, and dramatic volcanic scenery at your own pace. But to truly experience everything the country has to offer, choosing the right car rental Iceland 4×4 is key. Unlike many European destinations where public transport connects you to major attractions, Iceland’s most stunning sights are often in remote areas, requiring a reliable vehicle to access them.

While Iceland’s famous Ring Road can be driven with a standard 2WD vehicle in summer, winter conditions and off-the-beaten-path routes like the Iceland Highlands and F-roads require a 4×4. In fact, it’s illegal to drive on F-roads without a 4WD vehicle.

So, do you really need a 4×4 rental in Iceland for your trip? It depends on when and where you plan to go. This guide will help you determine whether a 4WD is the right choice for your itinerary, and how to find the best 4×4 rental options for your Iceland adventure.

Related links: Rent a car in Iceland;  Rent a 4WD vehicle in Iceland

Table of Contents

1. Do You Need a 4WD Vehicle for Your Iceland Road Trip?
2. When is a 4X4 Iceland Rental Car Essential?
3. Best 4×4 Car Rental Options in Iceland
4. Iceland 4X4 Car Rental Deals and Discounts
5. 2WD Vs. 4WD
6. Frequentely Asked Questions

Do You Need a 4WD Vehicle for Your Iceland Road Trip?

Renting a 4WD vehicle in Iceland will cost you more than renting a 2WD, so you want to be sure that you need one. Many factors will dictate if you need to rent a 4×4 or if you can get away with an economy, 2WD car.

One of the main things you will need to consider is the time of year you plan to travel to Iceland. The weather in Iceland is notoriously unpredictable, especially in the winter months. Safety is a top priority, and you don’t want to get stuck on slippery roads in a snowstorm in a 2WD car.

The second thing to consider is where you want to visit in Iceland. If you are coming for a short trip to Reykjavik and planning to stick close to the city, then you might be ok with a 2WD. But if you want to get off the beaten path and head deep into the scenic wilderness, then you’ll definitely need a 4×4.

And lastly, you need to think about how many people you’ll have in your group, and how much luggage you’ll have with you. You want to be comfortable on your road trip, not crammed tightly in a small car.

When is a 4X4 Iceland Rental Car Essential?

There are certain situations where renting a 4×4 in Iceland isn’t just recommended—it’s essential. Here’s when a 4WD rental car is the best and safest choice for your trip.

If You’re Visiting Iceland in the Winter

Iceland winter weather and road conditions can be very challenging. Snowstorms and heavy rain are very common and can happen unexpectedly. For your safety, we recommend renting a 4WD car if you’re visiting Iceland during the winter.

We have a long winter season here in Iceland, running from November until March. But in some parts of Iceland, like the Westfjords, East Fjords and Highland areas, it can start snowing as early as September and continue snowing until mid to late May. With the snow comes icy and slippery roads, meaning you’ll need a 4×4. If you’re visiting between November and March, we highly recommend renting a 4WD car. But if you’re coming in the shoulder season and want to access remote areas, you’ll also require a 4×4. You never know what could happen in these ‘between seasons’ months, so it’s a good idea to choose a 4WD for peace of mind.

That said, if you’re visiting between April and October and only plan on driving paved roads, then a 2WD could be enough, provided you’re also coming in a small group. But you will be limited on where you can go and will have to stick to paved, maintained roads. Even though you can legally drive on some of the unpaved roads that help you reach the fjords, it will often be unsafe and impossible for you to drive a 2WD on them. The unpaved roads are often unmaintained and after a big snowfall, there will be no one out to plough them. If you try to drive on them in a 2WD, you’ll more than likely get stuck.

If You Plan On Using F-Roads or Visiting Highlands

F-roads are unique to Iceland and are simply roads with the letter ‘F’ in front of the number. If you see the letter F on a road sign, there are some important things you need to know before you start driving on them. The F-roads allow travellers to access remote areas of Iceland and some of the islands’ most scenic and beautiful locations. That said, they can be slightly hazardous. Most of the F-roads are gravel, steep, and often unmaintained. There are even F-roads that have river crossings. You don’t want to end up out there in a 2WD, that’s for sure!

Not only is it not safe to drive a 2WD vehicle on F-roads, but it’s actually illegal. Unless you want to risk a hefty fine, then you’ll need to rent a 4×4 car in Iceland. So, what’s the point of driving an F-road then anyway? One of the best things about road tripping around Iceland is its untouched beauty. Because so many of the dramatic natural landscapes are in remote locations, they still haven’t been turned into massive tourist attractions. The F-roads allow you to access areas like the highland plateau of Sprengisandur and the hot springs and rhyolite mountains of Kjalvegur.

Even if you want to try to save money by renting an economy, 2WD car, you’ll be missing out on the magnificence of the F-roads and likely end up paying more anyway if you get fined or damage your rental car.

If You Plan on Visiting the Fjords, or an Extended Ring Road Trip

Even if you aren’t planning on driving any F-roads or mountain roads, you may still require a 4×4. No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the West, East and North fjords, but many access roads are unpaved. Although you won’t receive a fine for driving on these roads with a 2WD car, you could still do some serious damage to your rental car if you aren’t careful.

Even if you have a full, comprehensive insurance plan, there will still be things it won’t cover, such as damage to the underbody of the vehicle. Nearly no rental car insurance plans in the world cover the underbody. And if you’re driving on these bumpy roads, there’s a pretty high chance you’ll incur some damage and need to cover the repair cost yourself. A 4×4 rental car with a higher chassis would be able to handle these bumpy, unpaved roads with ease. Plus, you’re less likely to incur underbody damage.

Even if you aren’t planning to visit the fjords and will just be sticking to the Route 1 Ring Road, a 4WD rental car will provide your group more comfort, especially on longer trips. If you’re planning a road trip of 7 days or more, we’d always recommend going with a 4×4, regardless of the route you’re taking.

If You Are Travelling in a Group of 3 or More (Plus Luggage)

On a long road trip around Iceland, the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable. Even if your rental car has space to seat 4, you need to think about how much luggage you’ll have with you. If you visit in the winter months, your group will likely have more luggage from bringing warm clothes, coats, hiking boots, etc. Most 2WD economy cars have limited passenger and boot capacity.

If you are travelling in the summer with only 2 people and 2 regular-sized pieces of luggage, a 2WD may suit you fine. Renting a 2WD economy car will save you money, and you should fit comfortably. If you are travelling in a group of 3 or more people, you will need more space for both passengers and their luggage. For this reason, we’d recommend you rent a bigger 4×4.

It can be tempting to choose the cheapest option when renting a car in Iceland and not think about your comfort. If you want to truly enjoy your road trip experience, having space for all your passengers and their luggage will make your trip much more enjoyable. Trying to squeeze everyone into a tight space and shove all your luggage in the back will add unneeded stress to your road trip, so we recommend choosing the more appropriate rental car based on your group size.

Best 4×4 Car Rental Options in Iceland

Hertz Iceland offers a wide range of 4WD rental vehicles, ensuring you have the right car for your Iceland adventure—whether you’re exploring the Highlands, driving in winter, or traveling in a group. Here are some of the best 4×4 rental options based on your needs:

• Budget-Friendly 4×4: The Suzuki Jimny is compact and affordable, ideal for solo travelers or couples exploring F-roads.
• Best for Small Groups: The Dacia Duster is great for gravel roads and the Hyundai Tucson PHEV is a hybrid SUV with extra luggage space.
• Family & Long Road Trips: The Kia Sorento PHEV is spacious and fuel-efficient and Toyota Land Cruiser 5-Seater is perfectly built for rugged terrain.
• Highland & F-Roads: The Land Rover Defender has ultimate off-road performance, while the Toyota Hilux Pickup is durable with extra cargo space.
• Large Groups & Campers: The VW Caravelle 9-Seater is comfortable for group travel and the Toyota Hilux Camper is 4WD with built-in sleeping space.
• Luxury & Eco-Friendly: The Mercedes-Benz GLE PHEV provides premium comfort and the Tesla Model Y is the best fully electric 4WD option.

Iceland 4X4 Car Rental Deals and Discounts

Renting a 4×4 in Iceland doesn’t have to break the bank! Hertz Iceland offers several ways to save, including seasonal discounts, early booking deals, and loyalty perks. Booking your 4WD rental in advance can help you secure lower rates, especially during peak travel seasons from May to September. Seasonal promotions are also available, with winter specials and summer deals on select 4×4 vehicles, which is ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Loyal customers can benefit from Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, which offers exclusive discounts and priority service. If you’re planning an extended road trip, Hertz also provides long-term rental savings, where longer bookings come with discounted daily rates.

Book early to lock in the best price! Check out the latest Hertz Iceland 4×4 deals and start your adventure for less.

2WD vs. 4WD

Understanding the differences between renting a 2WD and a 4WD vehicle is crucial for selecting the right option for your Iceland adventure. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Frequentely Asked Questions About Iceland 4X4 Car Rentals

• • Is a 2WD ok in Iceland?
    A 2WD is fine for driving in Reykjavik and on main paved roads, especially in summer. However, if you’re visiting in winter or planning to drive on gravel roads, a 4×4 is a safer choice.

• • Do rental cars in Iceland have snow tires?
    Yes, from November to mid-April, all rental cars in Iceland are equipped with studded winter tires for better grip on icy and snowy roads.

• • Do I need to rent an SUV in Iceland?
    An SUV is not necessary if you’re sticking to main roads and traveling in summer. However, if you’re visiting in winter or exploring more remote areas, an SUV or 4×4 is recommended.

• • Do I need a 4×4 for Westfjords?
    A 4×4 is highly recommended for the Westfjords, especially outside of summer, as the roads can be steep, rough, and sometimes icy. Some roads are also unpaved and require extra traction.

• • Do you need a 4×4 for Golden Circle in Iceland?
    Not necessarily. The Golden Circle is fully paved and can be driven with a 2WD in good weather. In winter, a 4×4 is safer due to icy conditions.

• • What is the difference between 4×4 and AWD?
    A 4×4 (four-wheel drive) is typically designed for rough terrain and can be manually engaged for extra traction. AWD (all-wheel drive) is always on and adjusts power automatically, making it better for general road conditions, including snow and ice.

Do You Need a 4×4 Rental Car in Iceland?

If you’re travelling to Iceland and truly want the freedom and flexibility to access all the areas on the island, then we highly recommend renting a 4×4. Always book your 4×4 car online and in advance, especially in the high season between May and September. If you are struggling to choose a rental car for your Iceland trip or need more advice, you are always welcome to contact us at hertz@hertz.is.

Rent a Car in Iceland Now