Renting 4x4s in Iceland: The Definitive Guide
During your time in Iceland, you might have a vision of yourself careering around mountain roads in a 4×4 vehicle without a care in the world. With our range of 4WD vehicles, this can become a reality! With 4-wheel drive, you can overcome practically any terrain in your path, making it possible to access those more remote, unique destinations.
But what exactly does that mean for your trip to Iceland? We’ve answered all your questions about 4×4 rental on your holiday.
Why Rent a 4×4 in Iceland?
A vehicle with 4WD ultimately allows more stability on tougher terrain, which can be beneficial when driving tracks or driving off-road. The main reason to choose to hire a 4×4 in Iceland is so that you can explore Iceland’s Highlands via F-Roads, where 4-wheel drive is mandatory. You’ll also find that the added traction is beneficial in poor weather conditions, with snow and ice on the road’s surface. In addition, if you are departing on a longer road trip around Iceland, a larger 4×4 vehicle offers a higher degree of comfort and more space for luggage, which you might need for hiking or camping equipment.
Which 4×4 Do I Need for Iceland?
Ultimately, the best 4×4 vehicle for you will depend on the specific characteristics of your time in Iceland. Fuel efficiency, size, ground clearance, and more can all impact your choice. Below we have provided our recommendation for certain trip types within our 4×4 rental offering.
- For F-Road Driving: Jeep Compass 4xe
- Sightseeing & Gravel Roads: Dacia Duster 4×4, Suzuki Vitara
- City Driving: No 4×4 Required
Is a 4×4 Essential for Winter Driving in Iceland?
If you are traveling during the winter months, you might think you should hire a 4×4 to handle the severe weather Iceland can throw at you. However, this will again depend on your trip. If you only plan to spend a few days on the Golden Circle, for example, no 4×4 is really necessary. This is a well-maintained road with good visibility, perfectly safe as long as you drive carefully and follow local laws. Plus, all our rental cars are fitted with studded tires in winter so grip shouldn’t be an issue on these roads.
However, if you plan to embark on a longer road trip around the Ring Road between December and February, then a 4×4 might be a good choice. Snow and ice can make the more remote parts of the country more treacherous, and Icelandic weather is notorious for being changeable. So for ultimate peace of mind and safety on trickier roads, we’d recommend hiring a vehicle with 4WD.
It’s worth noting that you cannot enter the Icelandic Highlands during winter, as these roads become too dangerous and are closed over the winter months.
Find out more about driving in Iceland in winter.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a 4×4 in Iceland?
There is no simple answer for 4×4 rental costs, as this can depend on season, model, length of rental, and any additions to your lease. If you are looking at prices per day, prices can vary from anything between $50 and $200 a day.
To give you the ultimate peace of mind, our rental prices are inclusive of CDW, which includes third-party and personal accident coverage with self risk of 350.000 ISK. Find out more about our insurance packages.
What is the Fuel Consumption Like for 4x4s?
One consideration for 4×4 rental is fuel consumption – it’s well-known that these larger, more powerful vehicles are thirstier machines than your average car! Again, the exact figures will be impacted by the model and manner of your driving, i.e. more challenging weather and conditions will increase fuel usage. Looking at figures on average, more compact 4WD vehicles consume around 7-10 liters per 100 km, while larger models might consume up to 15 liters per 100 km.
So Do I Need a 4×4?
If you’re keen to explore the most remote parts of Iceland, or a long road trip during winter, then a car with more stability and power can be the best way to go. It can be more comfortable to spend long drives in a more spacious car anyway, so consider your comfort above all!