Iceland Car Rental’s 2025 Fleet Guide
Iceland isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination. One day you’re rolling along perfect tarmac staring at waterfalls out of a postcard; the next you’re tip-toeing across corrugations on a gravel track, hoping the wind behaves at the next viewpoint. That’s exactly why Iceland Car Rental (ICR) carries a broad, carefully curated fleet—from compact city cars and hybrid crossovers to true low-range 4×4 icons and 9–18 seat people movers. Our goal is simple: match every traveler and itinerary to the right vehicle—comfortably, safely, and with clear, honest pricing.
This guide introduces our fleet categories, explains the value you get with ICR, and helps you decide which vehicle fits your route, group, season, and budget. Whether you’re hopping between Reykjavík cafés, circumnavigating the Ring Road, or planning a summer Highland segment, there’s a car here for you.
Why travelers choose ICR
1) Transparent value (no surprises).
Every reservation at ICR includes all insurances, unlimited mileage, no deposit required, and a free KEF airport shuttle for a smooth start and finish. You also get free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up. (Note: roadside assistance is not included.)
2) A fleet tuned for Iceland.
We stock models that make sense here: efficient compacts for city days; hybrids for long paved stages; genuine 4×4 SUVs for seasonal F-roads; practical estates for extra luggage; and 9–18 seat people movers for groups who want to stay together.
3) Local guidance, safety-first culture.
We’ll help you choose the right car for your route and season, explain Iceland’s unique road rules, and set expectations for F-roads (summer-only mountain routes where a 4×4 is required). We also fit winter tyres from November to April on all cars, so you’re equipped for cold-weather travel when you drive to conditions.
4) Easy EV travel.
Our electric fleet (e.g., Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, BYD Dolphin, Kia EV3) comes set up for Iceland’s charging network. EV rentals are supplied at 70–100% and must be returned with at least 70% charge; returns below 70% incur a 25,000 ISK fee. A Type 2 cable and an ON charging key are included; damage or loss of the cable carries a 65,000 ISK fee. For the quickest turnarounds on the road we recommend 50 kW DC chargers (typical 30–60 minutes), and each EV includes a QR code with recommended stations to help plan stops.
Quick chooser: which car suits which trip?
City breaks & short coastal hops (2–4 people, light luggage)
Kia Ceed, Kia Stonic, BYD Dolphin — easy to park, frugal, perfect for Golden Circle, South Coast day trips, Snæfellsnes on paved and well-kept gravel.
Travelers with extra luggage (photo gear, hiking kits) who want car-like dynamics
Kia Ceed Sportswagon — the estate that swallows gear while staying nimble and efficient.
Comfort-first road trippers on paved/gravel routes (no Highlands)
MG EHS (Hybrid), Suzuki Vitara (Automatic) — elevated seating, modern tech, great economy for long Ring Road stages.
Budget-friendly 4×4 to taste the Highlands (summer)
Either the new Dacia Duster or the older Dacia Duster (Used Model) — honest, capable, and permitted on F-roads when open.
Compact but mighty Highland tool (2 seats)
Suzuki Jimny — small footprint, big ability; ideal for two people and soft bags.
Balanced, modern 4×4 comfort
Suzuki Vitara (Manual), Suzuki Vitara (Automatic), Jeep Renegade — great for mixed itineraries including selected F-roads (summer).
Premium comfort + real 4×4
Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery 5 — refined highway miles with confidence on summer F-roads.
The high-clearance heavy hitters (families/groups, gear, ambitious routes)
Toyota Land Cruiser (7-seat), Land Cruiser 150 3.0 Diesel (5-seat), Land Cruiser 250 (7-seat), Land Cruiser Adventure 35 — low range, space, and stamina for serious itineraries.
7-seat family SUVs
Kia Sorento, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Highlander — flexible seating for 5–7, comfort and traction for big days. Do not forget about the new Dacia Bigster!
Groups that want one vehicle
Renault Trafic (9 seats, Manual), Toyota Proace (9 seats, Automatic) — move the full crew with sensible running costs (2WD, not for F-roads).
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (18 seats) — for larger groups with the right licence category.
Fleet highlights (and what they’re perfect for)
Compact & efficient (city-friendly, budget-friendly)
Kia Ceed
If your plan is Reykjavík + Golden Circle + the odd South Coast stop, the Ceed does it with ease. It’s easy to park, frugal at the pump, and surprisingly comfortable at Iceland’s legal cruising speeds. Two to four travelers with smart packing will be happy; add the Ceed Sportswagon if you’re carrying more.
Kia Stonic
A touch taller than a hatchback, with better outward visibility and a cabin that feels airy on long days. Perfect for travelers who want light gravel capability (no F-roads) and simple tech like Bluetooth and smartphone integration.
BYD Dolphin
Quiet, quick, and fuss-free in town or on the Ring Road. You’ll enjoy the big touchscreen and modern driver assistance on long stretches. Use DC fast chargers (the included ON key makes life easy) and treat yourself to an overnight AC top-up when your accommodation offers it. As with all 2WD cars, no F-roads.
Smart space (more gear, same footprint)
Kia Ceed Sportswagon
The favorite of photographers and hikers: it carries significantly more luggage than a hatch, keeps fuel use low, and handles like a car (because it is). If you’re sharing gear among friends or traveling as a couple with big bags, this is the sweet spot for paved and well-kept gravel.
Comfortable crossovers for paved + gravel (no Highlands)
Kia Sportage
A popular midsize crossover with a composed ride, easy driving position, and a practical boot for typical trip luggage. A great match for the Ring Road without Highland detours.
MG EHS (Hybrid)
Hybrid efficiency for long distances and a comfortable cabin with modern infotainment. Not permitted on F-roads. If you’re chasing economy and comfort on paved routes, it’s a savvy pick.
Entry 4×4s (summer F-roads permitted)
Dacia Duster (Used Model)
A cost-effective way to add summer F-roads to your itinerary. It’s comfortable enough for full days and capable enough when the surface turns rough. Think Landmannalaugar or Kerlingarfjöll in the right conditions—and with conservative planning. (As always: stay on marked routes; off-road driving is illegal.)
Suzuki Jimny
The cult classic. Tiny outside, tough underneath. Two adults, four soft duffels, and an appetite for gravel and summer mountain tracks—this is the minimalist, grin-inducing way to explore.
Suzuki Vitara (Manual) & Vitara (Automatic)
Confidence-boosting visibility, heated seats (common in class), and fuel use that won’t shock you. The compact footprint helps in small car parks and single-lane sections; the 4×4 system brings real traction when the surface gets patchy.
Jeep Renegade
A small Jeep with real bite. Switchable 4×4, supportive seats, and thoughtful storage. Great for travelers who want the feel of a proper off-roader without moving to a full-size, body-on-frame SUV.
Premium 4×4 comfort (when you want the lot)
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Refined but capable. Quiet cabin, supportive seats, and a 4×4 system that adapts as surfaces change—exactly what you want on those “tarmac, gravel, tarmac” days around Iceland. Perfect if you want comfort and confidence for selected summer F-roads.
Land Rover Discovery 5
Long-distance luxury with Terrain Response wizardry. It’s the premium pick for five travelers plus lots of luggage, with a calm ride that makes the Eastfjords or Westfjords feel shorter than the map suggests.
Land Rover Defender
The modern icon. High/low range, sophisticated traction systems, and a cabin that’s both tough and welcoming. If your route includes a more ambitious summer Highland segment (within the vehicle’s capability), the Defender is a superb partner.
The big guns (low range, high clearance, serious stamina)
Toyota Land Cruiser (7-seat)
If Iceland had a mascot 4×4, this would be it. Body-on-frame construction, low-range transfer case, and torque-rich diesel make it a master of long gravel days and steady climbs. Seven seats for family flexibility; fold the third row for a seriously big boot.
Toyota Land Cruiser 150 (5-seat, 3.0 Diesel)
All the hardware of a real expedition vehicle—ladder-frame, low range—paired with the huge cargo space you get by choosing the 5-seat layout. The smart choice when five travelers bring five large suitcases.
Toyota Land Cruiser 250 (7-seat)
The latest chapter in the Land Cruiser story: modern tech, refined cruising, and the same dependable capability that makes Iceland feel smaller.
Toyota Land Cruiser Adventure 35
A specialist conversion with 35″ tyres, added clearance, and protective hardware. It makes rough summer tracks less stressful and reduces the chance of grounding when ruts deepen—while staying calm on the highway. Still: plan conservatively and avoid deep fords.
7-seat all-rounders (family flexibility + traction)
Kia Sorento
Comfort-first three-row SUV with the traction to include selected summer F-roads. Ideal for families who want easy days and a big boot once the third row is folded.
Nissan X-Trail
A roomy, practical seven-seater that’s simple to drive and park. Great for mixed itineraries with kids—puffins one day, black-sand beaches the next.
Toyota Highlander
Quiet, composed, and easy to live with. If you value Toyota’s blend of reliability and comfort—but still want summer F-road permission—this is your lane.
People movers (when togetherness is the point)
Renault Trafic – 9 seats, Manual / Toyota Proace – 9 seats, Automatic
For family reunions, small groups, and team trips. Three rows of seating, sliding doors, and sensible running costs. Use soft duffels to make the most of the boot with all seats up. 2WD, not for F-roads.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – 18 seats
For conferences, larger tours, and school trips—assuming the driver holds the appropriate licence for a passenger mini-bus. Purpose-built for long, paved stages and well-kept gravel. 2WD, not for F-roads.
F-roads, winter, and other Iceland essentials
F-roads are seasonal and 4×4-only.
F-roads (mountain routes, often unpaved and rough) typically open in summer and close in autumn; openings vary by year and weather. If your map includes F-roads, book a 4×4—and choose a vehicle with ground clearance that matches your ambition. On any F-road: stay on marked routes; do not drive off-road (illegal and heavily fined); build extra time into your schedule; reduce speed on washboard; and avoid river crossings that exceed the vehicle’s capability.
Winter is wonderful—and different.
From November to April we fit winter tyres across the fleet. Drive to the weather: slow down, increase following distance, and expect rapid changes in wind and visibility. If you’re planning rural winter routes or remote stays, a 4×4 brings extra stability and traction on plowed roads.
Gravel etiquette saves tyres (and nerves).
On long gravel segments, lower your speed, keep a gentle steering input, and look farther ahead than you would on tarmac. On single-lane bridges, yield as signed. When a car approaches on gravel, lift off the throttle briefly to reduce the chance of errant stones.
Packing tips for happiness on the move.
Use soft duffel bags—they’re easier to stack and kinder to luggage areas than hard cases. If you’re five people plus five large suitcases, consider a 5-seat Land Cruiser 150 (huge boot) or fold the third row in a 7-seat SUV.
EVs are easy—just plan your coffee breaks.
A 30–60 minute DC top-up pairs perfectly with a waterfall stop or lunch. We supply a Type 2 cable and an ON key; the car’s QR code shows recommended stations. Return your EV at ≥70% to avoid the 25,000 ISK fee. In cold weather, precondition while plugged in and keep speeds sensible to protect range.
How to choose quickly (and get it right)
Be honest about your route.
If there’s even a small chance you’ll take an F-road, book a 4×4. If you’re Ring Road only on paved/gravel, a 2WD crossover or hybrid can save cash without sacrificing comfort.
Match the car to your luggage, not just seats.
Five people can sit in many cars; five people plus five big suitcases cannot. If in doubt, step up a size or choose a 5-seat SUV for a bigger boot.
Consider wind and visibility.
A slightly higher driving position (crossovers and SUVs) can make Iceland easier, especially when spray or mist reduces contrast.
Think season.
Summer invites F-roads (with a suitable 4×4). Winter invites care, patience, and the traction of AWD/4×4—especially outside the capital area.
Balance budget with comfort.
The new Dacia Duster and Suzuki Vitara offer strong value for 4×4 travel; Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rove Defender make long days feel short; hybrids and EVs save at the pump while keeping the drive relaxed.
Ready to find your car?
If Iceland is a story told through roads, your car is the narrator—shaping how calm, connected, and flexible each day feels. At ICR, we’ve built a fleet where there’s always a right answer:
- Compact & efficient for budget-smart city and coastal trips
- Hybrids & crossovers for comfortable long days on tarmac and gravel
- Real 4×4 SUVs for seasonal Highland routes
- 7-seaters for families who want space without going huge
- People movers (9–18 seats) when being together matters most
Every booking includes all insurances, unlimited mileage, no deposit, a free KEF shuttle, and free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up. (Roadside assistance is not included.) Winter tyres are fitted in season, and our team is here to help you choose the right vehicle for your route, your dates, and your gear.
Your trip, your way — pick the car that matches your adventure and budget, and let Iceland do the rest.