Land Rover Discovery 5 or similar

Transmission: Automatic – Seats: 5 – Luggage: up to 5 large suitcases – Drive: 4×4 (permitted on F-roads)

The Land Rover Discovery 5 blends luxury road manners with serious, Iceland-ready capability. If you want a refined cabin for long Ring Road days but also the confidence to add a carefully planned Highland segment in summer, this is the sweet spot. The Discovery 5’s intelligent Terrain Response™ 2 system continuously adapts to changing surfaces—tarmac, gravel, snow, mud or sand—so progress stays smooth and composed even when conditions shift. Add a quiet diesel engine, a relaxed automatic gearbox and generous luggage room for five travellers, and you have a premium SUV designed for Iceland in the real world.

Why it stands out

Where many SUVs are either soft or spartan, the Discovery 5 manages both comfort and capability. Its 4×4 drivetrain and higher ground clearance inspire confidence on corrugations and loose gravel, while on paved highways it settles into a calm, quiet cruise. The steering stays steady in crosswinds, ride quality is supple, and the cabin remains hushed—exactly what you want on full-day itineraries.

Comfort & tech you’ll actually use

Inside, the Discovery 5 seats up to five adults comfortably, with supportive chairs and excellent visibility. Heated front seats take the chill off early starts, and simple climate controls keep temperatures even across the cabin. Tech is modern but fuss-free: a clear touchscreen infotainment setup with Bluetooth, USB/AUX and a 12 V outlet for charging. Parking sensors and a reversing camera are common in this class—handy in tight village car parks and at busy viewpoints.

Space for five travellers + gear

This model’s boot is properly practical: space for up to five large suitcases in standard five-seat configuration, with additional room available by folding the rear seats for longer items like tripods, tents or photo gear. The square opening and low sill make packing easy when the wind picks up or the ground is wet.

Powertrain & efficiency

A 2.0 L diesel paired with an automatic transmission delivers smooth, easy progress with average consumption around 6.2 L/100 km in mixed driving—impressive for a premium 4×4 of this size. The engine’s torque makes light work of hills, headwinds and fully loaded road trips, while the gearbox keeps revs low for relaxed cruising.

Confidence when roads change

This is where Terrain Response™ 2 earns its keep, optimising traction and stability as surfaces change beneath you. On gravel and selected summer-open F-roads, the Discovery 5 feels planted and predictable. As always in Iceland: stay on marked roads (off-road driving is illegal), build in extra time for slower surfaces, and avoid river crossings that exceed the vehicle’s capability.

Safety & seasonal setup

The Discovery 5 includes multiple airbags, stability control, ABS and ISOFIX child-seat anchors. Tyres are fitted seasonally—winter tyres from November to April for plowed winter roads, and quality all-season tyres in summer. Drive to conditions, ease off on gravel, and keep an eye on daily road and weather alerts.