Cheap 4x4 Car Rental Iceland: Budget-Friendly Options for Highlands & Gravel Roads

 


Iceland's Highlands don't require luxury spending. A cheap 4x4 car rental in Iceland starts at $85 per day. The real savings? Fuel efficiency. At Firefly Car Rental Iceland, you grab keys at the in-terminal desk after landing at Keflavík Airport (KEF). No shuttles, no treks.

Why Rent a 4x4 in Iceland? (Mitsubishi & Similar Models)

Drivers must be 23 or older to rent 4x4s at Firefly Iceland

A Mitsubishi rental in Iceland (Eclipse Cross, Outlander, or similar) offers ground clearance without burning fuel like Super Jeeps. These Highland-ready models handle popular routes like Kjölur (F35) and Kaldidalur with better fuel economy. They work for most accessible F-roads but skip extreme routes like Þórsmörk's river crossings.

2WD vs. 4x4 Capability

Feature

Economy 2WD (from $40/day)

Cheap 4x4 SUV (from $85/day)

Best For

Paved Ring Road (summer), Golden Circle

Highlands, F-roads, winter driving

F-Road Legal?

No (illegal, voids insurance)

Yes (mandatory)

Surface Types

Asphalt, smooth gravel

Rough gravel, river crossings, snow

Ground Clearance

Standard

High clearance, extra luggage space

River Crossing Liability: Firefly's CDW does NOT cover water damage. You are liable for damage from driving in rivers. Separate insurance required. CDW covers collision damage, theft, and third-party liability only.

Firefly Car Rental Iceland: The Terminal Advantage

Most budget agencies sit miles from Keflavík Airport. You land, shuttle to their office, then get keys. Firefly operates inside the terminal at the Hertz desk. Clear customs, walk to the counter, and drive.

Firefly Iceland vs. Off-Site Budget Agencies

  • Firefly Iceland: Inside KEF terminal. Walk from arrivals to the desk in 5 minutes.

  • Others: Remote offices, shuttle bus required, extra wait time.

Note: Additional drivers cost €10 per day at Firefly.

Essential F-Road Safety & Rental Tips

F-roads open mid-June to September only. Driving them outside this window is illegal. A 4x4 is mandatory by law. Taking a 2WD voids insurance and results in fines.

Safety Checklist:

  • Speed limits: 90 km/h paved, 80 km/h gravel (often slower)

  • Insurance: Rates include unlimited mileage and CDW

  • Winter tires: Mandatory Nov 1 - April 15

  • Check the road before Highland trips

  • Fill gas before leaving Ring Road

  • No gas stations exist in Highlands. Last fill-up crucial.

  • Emergency: Dial 112 (works on any network/locked phone)

  • Cancellation: 3 days' notice for prepaid (full refund)

F-roads are rough gravel, loose rocks, and unbridged river crossings. Drive cautiously.

Quick Answers

Do I need a 4x4 for the Ring Road in summer?  No, but it's safer and opens more options. 2WD works for paved sections. 2WD on F-roads is illegal and voids insurance.

Can I drive F-roads in winter?  No. F-roads close from mid-October to mid-June. Driving on closed roads is illegal.

Is river crossing insurance included?  No. Firefly's CDW does NOT cover water damage. You're liable for damage from driving in rivers. Separate coverage required.

Location: Reykjavík, Iceland

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