Summarise (click here)
Car Specs
- Seats up to 5 passengers.
- Automatic transmission.
- 4×4 (all-wheel drive) with high ground clearance.
- Space for about 5 large suitcases.
- Air conditioning and modern comfort/safety features.
Who It’s Suitable For
- Families or small groups who want a rugged, capable SUV.
- Travellers planning longer self-drive road trips.
- People who want to explore beyond the basic sightseeing roads.
Where It Can Go in Iceland
- Excellent on the Ring Road (Route 1) and major paved routes.
- Great for routes like the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Westfjords.
- Allowed on F-roads (highland mountain roads) in summer.
- Suitable for gravel roads and winter conditions thanks to 4×4 traction.
Good to Know
- A powerful and reliable 4×4 choice for serious Iceland adventures.
- Ideal when you need more luggage space and capability on rough terrain.
Drive Iceland with confidence in a Toyota Land Cruiser, one of the most capable 4×4 vehicles on the market. This automatic 5-seater SUV combines rugged power with everyday comfort, making it an ideal choice for travellers who want to explore Iceland beyond the main Ring Road.
With high ground clearance, a strong 4×4 system, and spacious interior seating, the Land Cruiser is well suited for Iceland’s ever-changing conditions — from paved roads to gravel tracks, and even the highland F-roads in summer. Whether you’re heading to the Golden Circle, the remote Westfjords, or into the highlands, this car has the durability and space you need.
Popular with Locals and the Best 4×4 for Driving in Iceland
The Toyota Land Cruiser rental in Iceland is one of the largest and most popular 4×4 SUVs, trusted by locals and tourists alike. Known for its power, durability, and comfort, it’s a top choice for travelers planning an adventurous self-drive trip across Iceland. By folding the back seats into a 5-seat configuration, you gain extra cargo capacity for larger road trips.
Equipped with essential features like heated seats, air conditioning, USB charging ports, Bluetooth, AUX connections, airbags, and cruise control, the Land Cruiser is designed for both comfort and convenience. In winter, vehicles come fitted with seasonal tyres, giving drivers added confidence on snowy and icy routes. Its size, strength, and reliability make it a preferred choice for long journeys, whether you’re exploring the Ring Road, Golden Circle, South Coast, or remote parts of Iceland.
A major advantage of the Toyota Land Cruiser is that it’s allowed on Iceland’s F-roads, making it suitable for highland and off-the-beaten-path adventures during summer. To rent this SUV, drivers must be at least 23 years old, hold a valid license for one year, and present a credit card in the renter’s name. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required if the license is not in Roman script. For those seeking a rugged 4×4 with plenty of passenger space and true highland access, the Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the best SUV rentals in Iceland.
Driving in Iceland
Familiarise yourself with how to drive in Iceland. Get trusted tips from locals with a lot of experience.
4×4 Iceland Car Rental Guide
What Makes 4×4 the Most Recommended Car Type for Driving in Iceland
FAQ
- What is the most recommended 4×4 rental car in Iceland?
The Land Cruiser is the most recommended 4×4 rental car in Iceland as it is a powerful 4×4 that can handle F-roads, highland routes, and challenging weather conditions. It’s also one of the most spacious and reliable SUVs, making it ideal for families, groups, or travelers carrying extra gear.
- What are the most popular F-roads in Iceland?
Some of the most popular F-roads in Iceland include F35 (Kjölur Route), F208 (Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri to Landmannalaugar), and F26 (Sprengisandur Route), known for their stunning highland scenery. These roads are only open in summer and require a 4×4 vehicle by law, offering access to remote hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking mountain views.
- What months do I need a 4×4 in Iceland?
You need a 4×4 in Iceland mainly from October to April during the winter months. You also need a 4×4 during the summer if you plan on exploring the highland F-roads.
- What is the new kilometer tax / road tax fee in Iceland?
As of January 1st 2026 the Icelandic government is replacing part of the traditional fuel-based road tax with a usage-based system (“kílómetragjald”), calculated per kilometer driven and adjusted by vehicle weight. All vehicles using Icelandic roads, including rental cars, are required to contribute through this kilometer-based charge to support road maintenance and future infrastructure.
- What is the new kilometer tax / road tax fee in Iceland?
As of January 1st 2026 the Icelandic government is replacing part of the traditional fuel-based road tax with a usage-based system (“kílómetragjald”), calculated per kilometer driven and adjusted by vehicle weight. All vehicles using Icelandic roads, including rental cars, are required to contribute through this kilometer-based charge to support road maintenance and future infrastructure.
- Why is Thrifty Car Rental Iceland charging it?
The tax applies to all standard passenger cars and SUVs under 3.5 tonnes, as well as heavier vehicles in higher weight categories, with rates defined by law for each class. It applies to both Icelandic residents and visitors, including tourists renting a vehicle from Thrifty Iceland for a short stay or a longer road trip such as the Ring Road.
- Is it included in the daily rate?
The Road Tax appears as its own line item at these points:
- On your rental agreement at the check-in desk
- On your final invoice after drop-off
This clear separation helps show exactly what portion of your total cost is the government-mandated tax versus your actual rental service.
The charge applied to your rental agreement consists of two clear parts:
- Government Road Tax: The mandatory fee set by the Icelandic Parliament.
- Thrifty Service Fee: Covers the administrative cost of processing, reporting, and remitting these taxes to the government.
Rate (Per KM) Government Road Tax 6.95 ISK (Approx . 0.056 USD / 0.047 EUR) Thrifty Service Fee 1.40 ISK (+ VAT) (Approx . 0.011 USD / 0.0095 EUR) - Where do I pickup my rental car?
Our desk is located directly inside Keflavik International airport.
Just head to the Hertz rental desk in the arrivals hall, and you will be hitting the Icelandic roads in no time. Thrifty is serviced by Hertz Iceland, so everything is in one easy spot and to the highest standard.
We also have pickups available at Reykjavik Domestic Airport, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Ísafjörður.
- What is your cancellation policy?
In case of a cancellation, the rental needs to be cancelled more than 3 days prior to rental pick up for a full refund.
If a rental is cancelled with less than 3 days notice or in case of no show the full rental price will be charged.
- 3 days or earlier – Full refund
- Less than 3 days – Non refundable
If you need to cancel your prepaid reservation please do so by sending an email to thrifty@thrifty.is stating your name and reservation number.
