The Importance of Choosing the Right Vehicle in Iceland
The Importance of Choosing the Right 4x4 Vehicle While Travelling Southern Iceland
One of the big selling points of taking a trip with us for an Iceland adventure, is the peace of mind of you being able to sit back and relax without worrying about finding your way around the island, and navigating the sometimes challenging road conditions that you can be faced with. To make the most of a trip, there is a lot of driving involved, and we make sure to choose the right vehicle to make sure you are safe in our hands. We’ve tried many 4x4 vehicles and avoid the use of 2WD cars for a few reasons. Jon and his wife recently had the opportunity to work with Zero Car Rental and their Kia Sportage 4x4 while sharing the magic of Iceland with his young family, giving us the chance try a new vehicle before using it for future trips and client bookings. Sure it would be cheaper to rent a 2WD car, but instead of trying to save a few £ for the sake of safety, we build the hire of a 4x4 into each and every trip.
Travelling through Southern Iceland is an unforgettable experience, offering visitors dramatic landscapes, towering waterfalls, volcanic black sand beaches, and glacial lagoons. However, exploring this rugged terrain comes with a unique set of challenges—particularly when it comes to road conditions and weather unpredictability. One of the most important decisions any traveller can make when planning their Icelandic road trip is choosing the right vehicle. Specifically, a 4x4 vehicle is not just recommended, but often essential for both safety and access.
Why Choosing a 4x4 is Important for Driving in the Snow
Iceland’s winter season stretches from late October through to April, though snowfall can begin earlier or continue later depending on the year. Even in the Southern region—home to popular destinations like Vik, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss—snow-covered roads are common. In such conditions, the performance of your vehicle can determine the difference between a smooth journey and a dangerous situation.
4x4 vehicles (also referred to as four-wheel drives or AWDs) offer significantly better traction in snowy and icy conditions compared to standard two-wheel-drive cars. This is because power is distributed to all four wheels, which improves grip on slippery surfaces. Whether you're tackling winding mountain roads or navigating through rural villages during a snowstorm, a 4x4 provides the control needed to safely manoeuvre in such conditions.
Moreover, Icelandic roads, even in the south, are often untreated by salt or ploughs in remote areas. That means fresh snow or compacted ice can make travel incredibly risky for vehicles without the proper capabilities. With a 4x4, you can drive with greater confidence knowing your vehicle is engineered to handle snow-packed roads, sudden stops, and tricky corners with enhanced stability.
Why a 4x4 is Advised Due to Ever-Changing and Challenging Weather Conditions
Iceland is well-known for its volatile weather, and in the south, this remains very much the case. It’s not uncommon to experience sunshine, rain, sleet, snow, and gale-force winds all in a single day. These swift weather changes can turn a mild journey into a treacherous one without warning.
The unpredictability of Icelandic weather means travellers must always be prepared for the unexpected. Wind gusts reaching over 100 km/h can occur, especially around open plains near the coast. These conditions make high-sided vehicles vulnerable and require a sturdy, grounded car to maintain control. A 4x4 vehicle is heavier, better balanced, and designed to cope with such extremes, offering enhanced stability and control.
In addition, Iceland’s famous Ring Road (Route 1), which winds through the southern region, includes long stretches with few services or shelters. If you're caught in a sudden storm or white-out, turning back or waiting it out in a remote area becomes a real possibility. In these cases, the safety features of a 4x4—such as improved clearance, traction control, and more responsive handling—offer peace of mind and reduce the risk of becoming stranded.
Even in summer, heavy rains can quickly flood rural routes or soften gravel paths, making them difficult for standard vehicles. A 4x4 is equipped to traverse muddy or soft ground without getting stuck, giving you more flexibility and fewer disruptions during your journey.
Peace of Mind with a 4x4 Vehicle While Travelling on Gravel and Slippery Road Surfaces
Beyond snow and weather, Southern Iceland’s geography features a variety of road surfaces. While Route 1 is mostly paved and maintained year-round, many of the most breathtaking sites lie just off this main route—accessible only via gravel roads or narrow paths with uneven terrain.
These unpaved roads, such as those leading to Dyrhólaey Peninsula or the start of some glacier hikes near Vatnajökull, can be rough, slippery, and strewn with loose stones. Driving a 2WD car over such surfaces increases the risk of sliding, losing control, or damaging the undercarriage. In contrast, 4x4 vehicles typically have higher ground clearance, reinforced suspension, and better grip, enabling safer and smoother travel across these terrains.
Iceland’s road network also includes a number of single-lane bridges and blind summits, especially in the south. Confidence in your vehicle’s ability to handle emergency braking, sudden manoeuvres, or uneven conditions becomes essential. Travelling in a 4x4 reduces stress and allows you to focus more on the incredible scenery and less on the potential hazards.
Moreover, insurance policies for car rentals in Iceland often exclude coverage for damage caused on gravel roads unless you have a 4x4. Using a vehicle designed for such conditions means you're less likely to experience damage from flying stones or chassis impacts—saving you money and frustration in the long run.
A few more reasons why we insist on 4x4 vehicles for every adventure.
F-Road Restrictions: While most F-roads (mountain interior roads) are in the Highlands, some connecting paths in the south require 4x4 vehicles by law. Attempting these in a 2WD car can lead to fines and even accidents.
Vehicle Size and Comfort: 4x4 vehicles offer us more space for luggage, camera gear, and
Local Knowledge: Rental agencies in Iceland will often recommend the best type of 4x4 based on the time of year and your planned route. We’ve had to ask a few questions over the years about ground clearance and wading depths and Zero Car have been mega helpful.
Southern Iceland is a region of striking beauty and unforgettable adventure, but it also demands respect from those who wish to explore it. Choosing the right vehicle—specifically a 4x4—is not just a convenience, but a vital step toward ensuring a safe, flexible, and enjoyable journey. Whether we are navigating snowy roads, reacting to sudden weather changes, or exploring gravel tracks to reach that hidden waterfall, a 4x4 provides the reliability and peace of mind our clients demand.
Looking to hire your own vehicle on a self drive tour? Why not go check out Jon’s family blog where Chantele talks through their experience as a customer with Zero Car rental and how they found the process while travelling with children.