The Comprehensive Guide to Rental Car Sizes: Choosing the Ideal Vehicle for Your Iceland Adventure from Keflavik

Planning to rent a car at KEF, Keflavik International Airport, and self‑drive Iceland’s Ring Road or remote Highlands? Choosing the right vehicle size can make the difference between an effortless road trip and a cramped or risky journey. At Höldur, our goal is to match you with a vehicle that fits your group, route, season and budget—while offering the eco‑conscious reliability you expect.

Why your choice of car size matters

• Comfort for all passengers and luggage: Long drives across Iceland’s dramatic landscapes demand adequate space for everyone—and for gear like hiking boots or camera equipment.

• Route suitability: Smaller passenger cars handle the paved Ring Road well, while estates and 4×4 SUVs offer better stability and cargo capacity. Highland roads (F‑roads) require a permitted 4×4.

• Seasonal conditions: Winter driving (October–April) brings snow, ice and wind. Larger vehicles or 4×4 models with studded winter tyres improve safety.

• Budget considerations: Economy models cost less but come with smaller space. Estates and SUVs cost more but offer flexibility and confidence in variable terrain.

Vehicle categories at Höldur Car Rental

Based on our fleet listings, Höldur offers the following key categories for rental car sizes at Keflavik Airport 

• Mini / Economy / Compact / Sedan (e.g. Toyota Yaris): Ideal for solo travellers or couples with minimal luggage. Great value for the Ring Road in summer on paved roads. Not recommended for families or highland roads.

• Estate Car (Station Wagon): Offers more luggage capacity and space for up to four adults and their gear. Comfortable for longer drives along the Ring Road or coastal routes.

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Eco‑conscious choice for travellers focused on sustainability. Quiet, modern, ideal for paved roads and shorter summer itineraries. Not permitted on F‑roads.

• 4×4 SUVs: Required for any route into the Highlands or gravel F‑roads, and advisable in winter. Offers ample space for 4–5 passengers plus luggage. Brands include Suzuki, Dacia, Toyota, Land Rover.

• Minivans (7–9 seats): Perfect for larger groups or families, especially when travelling together and carrying extra equipment or baggage.

• Luxury / Prestige vehicles: For those seeking comfort, space and refinement—ideal for honeymooners or VIP travellers along paved routes.

Matching vehicle sizes to your plans

Group size and luggage

• 1–2 travellers, light luggage: Mini or compact models like Toyota Yaris. Budget‑friendly and efficient, especially for Ring Road drives. Expect limited boot space and not suited to highland tracks.

• Couple or family of 3–4 with moderate luggage: Estate car gives more space and comfort—ideal for scenic coast or Ring Road routes.

• Group of 4–5 or lots of gear: A 4×4 SUV or estate is more appropriate. SUV gives added traction and weather safety.

• Group of 7–9: Choose a minivan to keep the group together and carry gear comfortably.

Travel intention: Ring‑road vs. Highlands

• Ring Road (Route 1): A standard passenger car or estate (2WD) works very well in good conditions. Ring Road is paved and well maintained year-round; even in winter it gets priority snow clearance. Estates and compact sedans are popular choices.

• Highland routes / F‑roads: Must rent a permitted 4×4 SUV. These roads are gravel, can include river crossings, and are only open during summer months—usually June through September.

Season: Summer vs. Winter

• Summer (late May–Sept): Ideal for compact, economy, estate or EV if staying on Ring Road. Highland roads open—so upgrade to SUV if planning that. UV from the midnight sun makes long days memorable.

• Winter (Oct–Apr): Choose estate cars or SUVs with studded tyres. Visibility, wind and gravel surfaces may be challenging; 4×4 is strongly advised if venturing outside Reykjavík or the lowland Ring Road.

Budget considerations

• Lower budget: Mini or compact cars offer both low rental cost and fuel economy. Ideal for solo travellers or couples.

• Mid‑range: Estates offer more flexibility and comfort without a major price jump.

• Premium: 4×4 SUVs and minivans cost more but are essential for highland routes, group travel, or winter comfort.

Why hire from Höldur at Keflavik Airport?

• Simple pickup from Keflavik International Airport (KEF): Heading straight into your Icelandic adventure has never been easier.

• Local expertise since 1966 with global Europcar standards: We blend friendly local service with recognised reliability.

• Eco‑conscious fleet choices, including EVs and well-maintained vehicles.

• 24/7 roadside assistance, even in remote Highlands or during winter trips.

• Insurance options tailored to Iceland, including gravel protection, which is essential if travelling on unpaved roads.

You might also want to read: 5 Must-Visit Destinations Within Two Hours of Keflavík Airport.

Planning your route and vehicle size: Quick summary

Driving conditions and vehicle considerations

Weather and roads

Iceland’s weather can change rapidly. Even on a summer day, roads may be damp or icy, especially in the Highlands or coastal stretches. Winter brings snow, wind and rapidly shifting conditions—check road.is and vedur.is regularly and pick a vehicle with studded winter tyres and strong handling.

Gravel, river crossings and F‑roads

Travel on unpaved roads vastly increases the risk of dents or chips—insurance with gravel protection is recommended. For Highland routes or known F‑roads like Kjölur, Sprengisandur, Fjallabak, only a permitted 4×4 is valid for rentals and insurance. For river crossings on Highland routes, engage low gear and drive carefully—some routes may still be shallow but tricky; always assess and proceed with caution.

One-lane bridges and blind summits

Encountered frequently on rural roads—even on Route 1. Slow to approach, give way clearly, and use passing places gracefully. Estates or SUVs feel more stable, but careful driving matters more than size.

FAQs

What size rental car is best when picking up at Keflavik Airport (KEF)?

A compact or economy car is perfect for solo travellers or couples. For more luggage or group size, upgrade to an estate or SUV. All categories are available directly from the KEF rental desk.

Do I need a 4×4 to drive the Ring Road?

No, not in summer on paved route 1. But if your travel plans include gravel roads, winter weather, or detours into the Highlands, a 4×4 SUV is essential.

Can I use an electric vehicle (EV) at KEF and on Ring Road?

Yes—EVs are eco‑friendly options great for paved routes and coastal driving. They’re not permitted on Highlands F‑roads, so plan accordingly.

Which car size suits a family of four with luggage?

An estate car or a mid‑size crossover gives enough space and comfort for a small family, especially on long Ring Road or coastal drives.

Are minivans available at Keflavik and worth the cost?

Yes. Minivans seating 7–9 are ideal for larger groups who want to travel together with gear. Costlier, but excellent for flexibility and shared comfort.

What vehicle is safest for winter travel?

A 4×4 SUV with studded winter tyres is most suitable. It offers better traction, higher ground clearance and confidence in icy or snowy conditions.

Can I drive to Highlands in summer in a compact car?

No—Highland routes (F‑roads) require permitted 4×4 SUVs. Compact or economy cars are not insured for those roads.

How much does gravel insurance cost?

Fees vary by vehicle type. We strongly recommend adding our premium protection package that includes gravel and ash protection, especially if driving anywhere off the main paved roads.

Final thoughts

Embarking on a self‑drive journey from Keflavik International Airport offers freedom, flexibility and the chance to explore Iceland at your own pace. Whether you choose a nimble compact car, a spacious estate, or a robust 4×4 SUV—or even a minivan for large groups—Höldur’s fleet at KEF has you covered. At Höldur, we take pride in being Iceland’s largest car rental operator, offering over 8,000 vehicles. We combine friendly local guidance, eco‑accredited vehicles and global service standards so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Book the right-sized vehicle for your group, season and itinerary—add suitable insurance—and travel confidently across Iceland’s stunning landscapes, from Reykjavík to the Highlands, in a vehicle that feels like a trusted companion.

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