Choosing the best car for Iceland can be difficult due to unpredictable weather and the difference between being in a city and driving in the countryside. Whether you are touring the country’s spectacular landscapes or visiting the dynamic capital, Reykjavik, we have some tips on which car category to choose. Vehicle needs in Iceland vary dramatically between summer and winter, and the country’s residents change their tires to suit the road conditions during the winter months. Your choice of vehicle will also depend on your chosen routes. For example, if you plan to head out onto the highland roads you will need a much more robust set of wheels.
Best Car For Traveling Around
While a compact car or a sedan will be fine transporting you around Iceland’s major ring road in the summer months, worsening road conditions in the winter would make a four-wheel-drive vehicle preferable and an SUV would be more appropriate. Most of the country’s best natural sights can be seen from the ring road and the road standard is very good, so if you are taking this main route in the summer a compact car or sedan will cover your mobility needs. If you want to head out onto the highland roads off the main route you will find steep inclines and many gravel roads that are best handled with a rugged SUV.
Best Car For a Family
For families, we recommend a sedan in the summer and an SUV for the winter. Both vehicles have powerful engines and offer lots of luggage and legroom space. With our SUVs, you can choose either a mid-size or full-size model with a capacity for up to 7 passengers. Again, your choice should take into account your route in Iceland, in winter our vehicles are fitted with winter tires and for most city visits and travel on major roads you may find a sedan will suffice.
Best Car For Summer Weather
Having seen pictures of SUVs driving across icy landscapes you may not think a compact car would be suitable for a vacation in Iceland. But actually, in the summer months, they will get you around just fine as long as you stay on the main roads. While being economical over long distances thanks to their lightweight body, they are also great for navigating the city, as they are easier to parallel park and fit into smaller spots. Most compact cars will handle the gravel roads outside of Reykjavik just fine in the summer, just bear in mind you should reduce your speed when navigating on these rougher roads.
