Real feedback from drivers on Icelandic roads
We collect feedback from travellers who have driven across Iceland with vehicles sourced through 4Drive. Each review reflects a real booking, covering everything from the initial handover at the depot to road conditions and vehicle performance in local terrain.
Picked up a Toyota Land Cruiser at Keflavik Airport and drove the Golden Circle route to Thingvellir and Geysir. The 4WD handled the gravel sections near Gullfoss without issue. Clear pickup instructions in the voucher made the handover quick. Added winter tyres and gravel protection - both useful given the February conditions. Drove about 350 km over four days with no problems.
Booked a Suzuki Jimny for the south coast. Collected in Reykjavik and returned in Selfoss. The local company had the vehicle ready on time, paperwork took ten minutes. Drove to Vik and back via Route 1 - compact size was ideal for parking near Seljalandsfoss. Fuel economy was excellent at the Olis stations. Debit card worked fine for the balance payment at pickup.
Rented a Dacia Duster for a week in July. Started from Reykjavik, looped the Ring Road anti-clockwise to Akureyri and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Total distance about 1,400 km. The AWD coped well with variable weather and sudden wind on the east coast. Rental depot delivered the vehicle to our guesthouse in Hveragerdi, which saved a trip. Good ground clearance on gravel stretches.
Picked up a Hyundai Tucson at Keflavik. The vehicle itself was fine - clean, full tank, winter tyres already fitted. The only hiccup was wind at the Keflavik pickup lot that made loading luggage awkward. Drove from KEF to Selfoss via Route 1, then explored the Hella area. Smooth process overall, just dress warmly if collecting in January at the airport.
Booked a Mitsubishi Outlander for five days in March. Collected at the depot near Reykjavik city centre. The staff walked us through the damage report and showed existing marks on the contract. Drove to Thingvellir and along the southern shore to Vik - about 360 km return. AWD grip was reassuring on icy patches near Seljalandsfoss. Added a second driver at the desk, straightforward process.
Used 4Drive to book a Subaru Forester for a June trip. Pickup was at Selfoss, returned at the same location. Took the car onto Route 1 east towards Vik, then back through Hveragerdi. Permanent AWD handled gravel side roads to waterfalls comfortably. Booking advance paid online, paid the rest with a debit card at collection. Voucher had all contact details and clear instructions.
Arranged a Toyota Rav4 through 4Drive for September. Flew into Keflavik, collected at the airport terminal counter. The rental company checked our driving permit and walked through the insurance options. Drove the Golden Circle in one day - Thingvellir to Geysir to Gullfoss, about 230 km. Weather shifted fast but the 4WD gave confidence on wet gravel. Fuel stations were plentiful along Route 1.
Booked a Nissan X-Trail for a Ring Road attempt in August. Started in Reykjavik, made it to Akureyri over five days covering roughly 800 km. Part-time 4WD engaged easily when needed on gravel. The local company included GPS as an extra - helpful given patchy mobile signal in the north. Return inspection was quick, no disputes. Smooth from start to finish.
If you have driven with a vehicle booked through 4Drive Iceland, we would value your feedback. Share your route, vehicle type, and any observations about the pickup or road conditions. Your comments help future drivers plan their trips.