For most Ring Road trips in summer, you do not need a 4×4. A standard 2WD rental car can be suitable if you plan to stay on Route 1 and other regular roads. For winter Ring Road trips, a 4×4 is generally the better choice because you may encounter snow, ice, strong winds and changing road conditions.
Driving Iceland’s Ring Road is one of the best ways to see the country, taking you through the South Coast, Eastfjords, North Iceland and West Iceland on one road trip. But when you are travelling more than 1,300 km around Iceland, choosing the right rental car becomes especially important.
You should also choose your Iceland car rental based on your entire itinerary. If you plan to take detours away from the Ring Road, your vehicle requirements may change.
What Car Do You Need for Iceland’s Ring Road?
Here is the quick answer:
| Your Ring Road Trip | Recommended Rental Car |
|---|---|
| Ring Road in summer | 2WD, SUV or 4×4 |
| Ring Road in winter | 4×4 recommended |
| 1–2 travellers in summer | Compact or midsize car |
| Family or group | SUV or larger vehicle |
| Ring Road + gravel-road detours | SUV or 4×4 |
| Ring Road + Highland F-roads | Suitable 4×4 required |
| Longer trip with lots of luggage | Larger car or SUV |
For a simple summer Ring Road itinerary, you do not need to automatically book a 4×4.
However, the Ring Road is a much longer journey than the Golden Circle or a short South Coast trip. Comfort, luggage space, fuel use and the time of year should all be considered when choosing your rental car.
Do You Need a 4×4 for the Ring Road in Iceland?
No. A 4×4 is not required to drive Iceland’s Ring Road.
Route 1 connects most of Iceland’s main regions and can be driven in a normal 2WD rental car when road and weather conditions are suitable.
During summer, a compact or midsize 2WD car can therefore be a good choice for travellers who want an affordable Iceland car rental and plan to stay on the Ring Road.
Winter is different.
The Ring Road crosses mountain passes and areas where snow, ice, strong winds and poor visibility can affect driving. For a winter Ring Road trip, we generally recommend choosing a 4×4.
Remember that a 4×4 does not make difficult weather conditions safe. Road closures can affect any vehicle, so always follow current travel advice and be prepared to change your itinerary.
Is Iceland’s Ring Road Paved?
Yes. Iceland’s Route 1, commonly called the Ring Road, is paved.
This means you do not need a 4×4 simply because you are driving around Iceland.
However, many travellers leave Route 1 to visit additional attractions, accommodation, viewpoints and smaller towns. These detours can take you onto gravel roads.
If you are planning a Ring Road road trip, check your entire itinerary rather than only looking at Route 1.
Best Rental Car for the Ring Road in Summer
Summer gives you the widest choice when looking for a rental car for Iceland’s Ring Road.
If you are travelling as a couple, packing relatively light and staying mainly on Route 1, a compact or midsize 2WD rental car may be all you need.
However, because a complete Ring Road trip normally involves several days of driving, many travellers prefer the additional space of an SUV.
A 4×4 can also be a good option if you want more flexibility for your itinerary or plan to travel beyond the main Ring Road.
Our summer recommendation:
Best for keeping costs down: Compact or midsize 2WD
Best all-round option: Dacia Duster 4×4
Best for additional space: Toyota RAV4
You do not necessarily need to spend more on a large SUV just because you are driving around Iceland. Choose a vehicle that fits your route, passengers and luggage.
Best Rental Car for the Ring Road in Winter
For a winter Ring Road trip, we recommend choosing a 4×4 rental car.
Winter driving conditions around Iceland can vary considerably. One part of the Ring Road may be clear while another section is affected by snow, ice or strong winds.
Some higher sections and mountain passes can be particularly affected by winter weather.
Possible conditions include:
- Snow and ice
- Black ice
- Strong winds
- Reduced visibility
- Snowstorms
- Short daylight hours
- Temporary road closures
A 4×4 such as the Dacia Duster can be a good option for travellers looking for an affordable way to travel the Ring Road during winter.
However, even with a 4×4, you should never continue driving if conditions are unsafe or a road is closed.
Ring Road in Summer vs Winter
| Summer | Winter | |
|---|---|---|
| Is a 4×4 required? | No | No |
| Is a 4×4 recommended? | Optional | Yes |
| Is a 2WD suitable? | Usually | Depends on conditions |
| Is Route 1 paved? | Yes | Yes |
| Snow and ice likely? | Generally no | Yes |
| Road closures possible? | Yes | Yes |
| Check road and weather conditions? | Yes | Essential |
Is a Small Rental Car Good for the Ring Road?
Yes, a smaller rental car can be suitable for an Iceland Ring Road trip during summer.
However, think about more than whether the car can physically drive the route.
A complete Ring Road trip involves a lot of time in the car. You will also probably be travelling with several days of luggage.
For two people travelling light, a compact car can work well. For three or four people with suitcases, choosing a larger car or SUV may make the journey more practical.
Before booking, consider:
- Number of passengers
- Amount of luggage
- Length of your trip
- Time of year
- Planned detours
- Whether you will travel on gravel roads
The cheapest car is not necessarily the best-value option if it is too small for your trip.
How Long Is Iceland’s Ring Road?
Iceland’s Ring Road is approximately 1,322 km (820 miles) long.
However, your actual road trip will usually be considerably longer once you include detours to attractions, towns, accommodation and other destinations.
A Ring Road trip is therefore very different from choosing a rental car for a single day trip from Reykjavík.
For most travellers, we recommend allowing at least seven days for a Ring Road itinerary rather than trying to complete the route as quickly as possible.
What If I Want to Leave the Ring Road?
This is one of the most important things to consider when choosing your rental car.
Choose your vehicle based on your full Iceland itinerary, not simply Route 1.
You may decide to add destinations such as:
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Eastfjords
- Diamond Circle
- North Iceland coastal routes
- Westfjords
- Highlands
Some of these areas involve longer distances, gravel roads or more challenging routes.
If you plan to drive on Iceland’s F-roads, you must rent an appropriate 4×4 vehicle. A standard 2WD rental car cannot be driven on F-roads.
F-roads are separate from the Ring Road and are generally only accessible during the summer season.
Ring Road vs F-Roads: What Is the Difference?
The Ring Road and Iceland’s F-roads are not the same thing.
Route 1 / Ring Road: Regular paved road around Iceland. A 4×4 is not required.
F-roads: Mountain roads leading into Iceland’s Highlands. An appropriate 4×4 is required.
This is an important distinction when renting a car in Iceland.
You can complete an entire Ring Road road trip without driving on an F-road. But if you want to combine your Ring Road journey with the Highlands, you will need to choose your rental car accordingly.
Which Thrifty Rental Car Should You Choose for the Ring Road?
Thrifty Iceland offers everything from affordable smaller cars to 4×4 rental vehicles suitable for longer Iceland road trips.
Compact or Midsize Car
A good choice for:
- Summer Ring Road trips
- Couples
- Travellers packing light
- Staying mainly on Route 1
- Keeping Iceland car rental costs down
If you are visiting during summer and do not plan to explore the Highlands, you may not need to pay extra for a 4×4.
Dacia Duster 4×4
A good all-round option for:
- Ring Road trips
- Winter travel
- Longer itineraries
- Travellers looking for an affordable 4×4
- Trips combining different regions of Iceland
The Dacia Duster is a practical choice if you want 4×4 capability without moving into a larger or more expensive SUV category.
KIA Sorento
A good choice for:
- Families
- Groups
- Longer Ring Road trips
- Travellers with more luggage
- Those who prefer a larger SUV
Because you may spend a significant amount of time travelling between regions, luggage space and passenger space become more important on a Ring Road trip.
What Is the Best Rental Car for Iceland’s Ring Road?
There isn’t one rental car that is best for everyone.
Summer: A compact or midsize 2WD can be enough.
Winter: We recommend a 4×4.
Family or group: Consider a larger SUV with sufficient luggage space.
Ring Road + Highlands: Choose an appropriate 4×4 if you plan to use F-roads.
Budget-conscious travellers: Don’t automatically pay for a large 4×4 if your summer itinerary doesn’t require one.
The best rental car is the one that suits your complete itinerary, the season and the people travelling with you.
Before Driving the Ring Road
Before setting out each day, check the latest Icelandic road and weather information.
This is particularly important on a Ring Road trip because conditions can be very different between regions.
Pay particular attention to:
- Road closures
- Snow and ice
- Strong wind warnings
- Visibility
- Mountain-pass conditions
- Weather forecasts for your next destination
Avoid planning your itinerary so tightly that you cannot adjust it if conditions change.
FAQ: Iceland Ring Road Car Rental
- Do you need a 4×4 for Iceland’s Ring Road?
No. You do not need a 4×4 to drive Route 1 itself. During summer, a normal 2WD rental car can be suitable. For winter Ring Road trips, we generally recommend a 4×4.
- Can you drive the Ring Road in a small car?
Yes. A small or compact rental car can be used for a summer Ring Road trip if you stay on regular roads and have enough room for your passengers and luggage.
- Is Iceland’s Ring Road paved?
Yes. Route 1 is paved. However, detours away from the Ring Road may take you onto gravel roads.
- Do I need an SUV for the Ring Road?
No. An SUV is not required simply to drive the Ring Road. However, an SUV can provide additional passenger and luggage space for a longer road trip.
- What is the best car for Iceland’s Ring Road in winter?
A 4×4 is generally our recommended choice for a winter Ring Road trip. You should still check weather and road conditions every day and change your plans when necessary.
- Can I drive Iceland’s F-roads from the Ring Road?
Some Highland routes branch away from areas accessible from the Ring Road, but F-roads have different vehicle requirements. You must use an appropriate 4×4 on F-roads.
- How many days do you need for the Ring Road?
At least seven days is a good starting point for a Ring Road trip, although allowing more time gives you greater flexibility for attractions, detours and changing weather.
Find the Right Iceland Car Rental for Your Ring Road Trip
You don’t automatically need a large 4×4 to drive around Iceland.
For a summer Ring Road trip, a compact or midsize rental car can be an affordable choice. For winter travel, longer itineraries or trips that include more demanding routes away from Route 1, a 4×4 may be the better option.
The most important thing is to choose your rental car based on your entire journey rather than the Ring Road alone.
Compare Thrifty Iceland rental cars and find the right vehicle for your Iceland Ring Road adventure.