Hyundai Santa Fe or similar

Designed for Icelandic conditions

Transmission: Automatic – Seats: 7 – Luggage: 4-5 medium suitcases (with 3rd row folded) – Drive: 4x4 (permitted on F-roads)

The Santa Fe is equipped with Hyundai’s HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system, providing the stability and traction required for Iceland’s unpredictable weather. With its high ground clearance and robust chassis, this vehicle is fully permitted on F-roads, allowing you to reach iconic highland destinations like Landmannalaugar or the Kjölur route. Its long wheelbase and refined suspension also make it exceptionally stable during the high winds often encountered on the South Coast.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a premium, powerful, and remarkably spacious 4x4 SUV, making it a top-tier choice for families or groups exploring Iceland. Combining luxury with rugged capability, it is designed for those who want to experience the Ring Road in total comfort while maintaining the ability to venture onto the challenging tracks of the interior. With its bold design and advanced all-wheel-drive system, the Santa Fe is a versatile powerhouse for any Icelandic expedition.

Interior and comfort

Inside, the Santa Fe offers a "terrace-like" cabin experience with three rows of seating. While it can seat seven, it is most comfortable for groups of 4 or 5 who want extra breathing room. The interior features premium materials, a panoramic curved display, and dual-zone climate control. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel ensure you stay warm during the crisp Icelandic mornings, while the elevated seating position provides a panoramic view of the passing glaciers and lava fields.

Cargo space

One of the Santa Fe's greatest strengths is its massive, wide-opening tailgate. With the third row folded down, the trunk easily accommodates 4 to 5 medium suitcases plus additional hiking gear. The 2025 model also features a unique "C-pillar assist handle" on the exterior, making it easier to access roof boxes or gear racks—ideal for those traveling with skis or extra equipment.

Performance and handling

The 2025 Santa Fe features a new 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, which offers smoother power delivery on steep inclines and gravel compared to previous models. Whether you choose the powerful 2.5L Turbo or the efficient Hybrid, the Santa Fe handles long drives on the Ring Road with effortless quietness. Its "Terrain Mode" allows you to switch between Snow, Mud, and Sand settings, optimizing the 4x4 system instantly for the surface beneath your tires.

Technology and features

This SUV is packed with cutting-edge technology to assist your journey. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen includes built-in navigation to help you find remote trailheads, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep your playlists ready for the drive. Multiple USB-C ports in every row ensure everyone’s cameras and phones stay charged, and the bi-directional center console allows passengers in the back to easily reach snacks or maps.

Safety

Safety is a priority in the Santa Fe, which features the full Hyundai SmartSense suite. This includes Highway Driving Assist (standard on higher trims), which helps maintain lane position and distance during long coastal drives. It also features Forward Collision-Avoidance, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and high-quality winter tires from November to April to handle Iceland’s ice and snow with confidence.

Where you can drive

Thanks to its HTRAC 4x4 system and high clearance, the Hyundai Santa Fe is suitable for all paved roads, gravel roads, and Icelandic F-roads (summer only). While it is a highly capable vehicle, always remember that river crossings should be approached with extreme caution, and off-road driving outside marked trails is strictly illegal in Iceland to protect the fragile volcanic environment.