Pros And Cons Of Renting A 4×4 In Iceland
Thrifty Iceland > Your Go-To Blog Hub for Self-Drive Travel Tips, Rental Car Guides & Budget-Smart Adventures > Pros And Cons Of Renting A 4×4 In Iceland

Pros And Cons Of Renting A 4×4 In Iceland

February 11, 2026 , Thrifty Iceland All Categories, Driving In Iceland
Summarise
  • A 4×4 (four-wheel drive) delivers power to all four wheels, giving better traction, stability, and control on snow, ice, gravel, and rough roads in Iceland.
  • Renting a 4×4 is essential for driving on F-roads and exploring the Highlands, including places like Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk.
  • A 4×4 is highly recommended for winter travel due to improved safety in snow, icy conditions, and strong winds.
  • Downsides include higher rental costs and fuel consumption compared to smaller 2WD vehicles.
  • A 2WD car is usually sufficient in summer if you are sticking to paved roads such as the Ring Road and Golden Circle.

Last updated: February 2026

If you are planning a road trip in Iceland, one of the biggest decisions you will make is whether to rent a 4×4 or stick with a smaller 2WD car.

A 4×4 car rental in Iceland is often recommended, especially for winter travel and Highland routes. But is it always necessary? And is it worth the extra cost?

In this guide, we break down the real pros and cons of renting a 4×4 in Iceland, so you can decide what suits your itinerary, travel style, and budget.

What Is a 4×4?

A 4×4 (four-wheel drive) is a vehicle where power is delivered to all four wheels at the same time. This improves traction, stability, and control on difficult road surfaces.

In Iceland, a 4×4 typically means:

  • Four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
  • Higher ground clearance than a standard car
  • Stronger suspension for uneven roads
  • Better grip on snow, ice, and gravel

This is different from a 2WD (two-wheel drive) vehicle, where power is sent to only the front or rear wheels.

In practical terms, a 4×4 in Iceland allows you to:

  • Drive legally on F-roads (Highland mountain roads)
  • Handle winter road conditions more confidently
  • Travel on rough gravel roads with more comfort

What 4×4 Car Types are Popular in Iceland?

The most common 4×4 types in Iceland with both locals and travellers are:

  • Dacia Duster
  • Toyota RAV4
  • Hyundai Tucson
  • Toyota Land Cruiser

Pros of Renting a 4×4 in Iceland

1) You Can Drive on F-Roads (Highland Roads)

This is the biggest reason travelers choose a 4×4.

Iceland’s F-roads lead into the Highlands, including areas like:

  • Landmannalaugar
  • Þórsmörk
  • Askja

These roads are unpaved, rough, and often include river crossings. It is illegal and unsafe to drive them in a 2WD vehicle.

2) Better and Safer for Winter Driving in Iceland

Winter road conditions in Iceland can change quickly. Snow, ice, and strong winds are common from November through April.

A 4×4 provides:

  • Improved traction on icy roads
  • Better stability in crosswinds
  • More control on snow-covered routes

Even though all rental cars come with winter tires during the cold season, a 4×4 adds an extra layer of safety and confidence.

3) More Comfortable on Gravel Roads

Even outside the Highlands, many scenic areas include gravel sections, especially in:

  • The Westfjords
  • The Eastfjords
  • Remote coastal detours

A 4×4 SUV usually offers higher ground clearance and better suspension, making long drives smoother and less stressful.

4) More Space and Visibility

Most 4×4 rental cars are SUVs, which means:

  • More luggage space
  • More legroom
  • Higher seating position for better visibility

This is especially useful for families or travelers carrying winter gear or camping equipment.

Cons of Renting a 4×4 in Iceland

1) Higher Rental Price

A 4×4 car rental in Iceland costs more than a small 2WD vehicle.

You may pay:

  • Higher daily rates
  • Higher insurance costs (as it is recommended to take full coverage if you plan on driving F-Roads)
  • More for fuel

If you are visiting in summer and staying on paved roads, the extra cost may not always be necessary.

2) Higher Fuel Consumption

Most 4×4 SUVs use more fuel than compact cars.

If you are driving the full Ring Road, fuel costs can add up. Budget-conscious travellers often prefer smaller vehicles for this reason.

3) Not Always Required

Many popular attractions are fully accessible with a 2WD vehicle, including:

  • Golden Circle
  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

If your trip focuses on paved routes during summer, a smaller car can be perfectly sufficient.

When Should You Rent a 4×4 in Iceland?

Choose a 4×4 if:

  • You are traveling between October and April
  • You plan to drive in the Westfjords
  • You want to explore the Highlands
  • You prefer extra stability in wind and snow

A 2WD may be enough if:

  • You are visiting in summer
  • You are sticking to Route 1 (Ring Road)
  • You want to reduce costs

Final Verdict: Is a 4×4 Worth It in Iceland?

For winter travel, Highland routes, and remote exploration, a 4×4 rental in Iceland is often the smarter choice.

For summer road trips focused on paved routes, a smaller 2WD vehicle can save money without limiting your experience.

The most important factor is matching your vehicle to your itinerary.

FAQ