KIA Sportage or similar | Automatic | 4×4

_{^{Last updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by the Hertz Iceland Fleet Team}}

The Kia Sportage is an automatic AWD 4×4 SUV — F-road permitted in summer, with 591 litres of boot space and HTRAC permanent AWD. Rented on an “or similar” basis. Minimum age 23. One credit card required. A Kia Sportage Manual is also available at a lower daily rate — see the manual version here.

Kia Sportage AWD Rental Iceland: Automatic 4×4 SUV Guide

The Kia Sportage AWD Automatic is one of the most versatile mid-range vehicles in the Hertz Iceland fleet — a genuine AWD 4×4 with F-road access, a 591-litre boot, and the ease of automatic transmission, at a price point well below the BMW and Land Rover luxury categories. For travellers who want AWD confidence, Highland track access, and automatic convenience without stepping into the premium price tier, the Sportage Automatic is the natural fit.

The HTRAC AWD system delivers genuine four-wheel traction on Iceland’s varied surfaces — paved Ring Road, standard gravel approaches, and F-road highland tracks in summer. The petrol engine and smooth automatic transmission make it as comfortable on a long Ring Road day as it is on a technical highland approach.

A Kia Sportage Manual is available at a slightly lower daily rate for drivers who prefer gearbox control and manual engine braking on highland descents.

Is the Kia Sportage AWD Automatic Good for Driving in Iceland?

Yes — it’s one of the most balanced mid-range choices in the fleet, combining F-road access, a spacious boot, and automatic convenience at a competitive price point.

• Real-World Space: 591 litres of boot space with all seats in use — comfortably fitting 3 large hard-shell suitcases. More than the Dacia Duster (~422L) and the Hyundai i10 (252L), in a mid-size SUV footprint that handles Iceland’s varied parking situations well.
• F-Road & AWD Capability: HTRAC permanent AWD with Snow and terrain modes provides genuine traction on Iceland’s highland F-road tracks, gravel surfaces, and wet main roads. Permitted on F-roads including routes to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk in summer — check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering Highland areas.
• Automatic on Highland Routes: On technical F-road approaches where the terrain changes quickly, the automatic transmission allows the driver to focus entirely on the track rather than gear selection — an advantage over the manual version on complex highland sections.
• Engine Performance: 1.6L T-GDi turbo petrol delivers confident progress on Iceland’s main roads and competent performance on highland ascents. Smooth automatic transmission keeps long Ring Road days unfatiguing.
• Winter Performance: HTRAC AWD with Snow mode and winter tyres provides confident traction on Iceland’s cleared main roads. F-roads are closed in winter. For winter driving guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.
• Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP (2021, 85% adult occupant protection). Standard suite includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning. For a full guide to driving safely in Iceland’s conditions, see safe.hertz.is.

When Is the Kia Sportage Automatic the Right Choice?

• Summer F-road season (June–August): F-roads open, AWD confidence on highland tracks, 591-litre boot for full group gear — the Sportage Automatic earns its keep most on summer highland itineraries where automatic ease on technical approach roads is genuinely useful.
• Year-Round Ring Road: HTRAC AWD with winter tyres handles Iceland’s Ring Road confidently in all seasons. Comfortable for 4 adults on multi-day Ring Road itineraries with luggage.
• Drivers who want automatic AWD at a mid-range price: The Sportage Automatic sits below the BMW X3, Tucson PHEV, and Defender in price — the right choice when you want genuine AWD and automatic transmission without the premium tier rate.
• Families and small groups: 5 seats plus 591 litres of boot space covers 4 adults with full luggage comfortably.

⚠️ Not ideal if:

• You prefer manual gearbox and lower daily cost — the Kia Sportage Manual offers the same AWD and F-road access at a slightly lower rate.
• You need a guaranteed specific model — booked “or similar”; you may receive a comparable automatic AWD SUV if the Sportage is unavailable.
• You want PHEV efficiency — the Sportage in our fleet is petrol only. For a PHEV AWD at a similar size, consider the Hyundai Tucson PHEV or Kia Sorento PHEV.

Rental Requirements & Restrictions

• Minimum Age: 23 years old.
• License: Valid driving license held for a minimum of 1 year. IDP required if license is not in Roman script.
• Payment: Valid credit card in the main renter’s name required at pickup.
• F-Road Policy: Permitted (summer only). Check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering Highland areas.

Inside the Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage cabin is the vehicle’s strongest commercial argument at this price point — a genuinely premium-feeling interior that competes with vehicles costing significantly more. The curved dual-screen display spanning driver’s cluster and infotainment is clean and responsive; physical shortcut buttons sit below for the functions you use most. The layout doesn’t feel budget-conscious.

The automatic transmission shifts smoothly in city traffic and holds gears appropriately on the open Ring Road without hunting. In Snow AWD mode on gravel or highland approaches, the Sportage feels composed and confident — the HTRAC system makes traction adjustments without drama or sudden correction.

Heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone climate control are standard on higher trims. Four adults sit genuinely comfortably — rear legroom is good for a mid-size SUV, and the wide rear doors make access easy even on uneven highland ground. The 591-litre boot loads three large hard-shell suitcases without requiring any rear-seat folding, which matters for families or couples on longer Ring Road itineraries who want their luggage in the boot without reorganising at every stop.

At night at a highland campsite or a South Coast guesthouse car park, the Sportage’s LED headlights illuminate the surroundings well — useful in Iceland’s varied lighting conditions across seasons.

Kia Sportage Dimensions, Seating and Luggage For Your Trip

The Sportage’s 591-litre boot comfortably fits 3 large hard-shell suitcases with all five seats in use. Folding the rear seats creates 1,715 litres of flat load space — practical for couples travelling with bulky gear, hiking equipment, or camera kit on extended highland itineraries.

Why renting a car with Hertz in Iceland?

• Choosing Hertz Iceland means renting from a locally owned operator with over 50 years of experience, operating in Iceland since 1971. We have been recognised as Iceland’s Leading Car Rental Company at the World Travel Awards in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2025 — and are proud to be nominated again in 2026.
• Or Similar Guarantee: The Sportage Automatic is rented by category — if unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable automatic AWD SUV. Never downgraded in class or AWD capability.
• Under 2 Years Old: Every Sportage in our fleet is under two years old — current specification, full manufacturer warranty in effect.
• F-Road Access at Mid-Range Price: AWD with F-road clearance at a price point below the BMW X3, Tucson PHEV, and Defender — genuine highland access without the premium rate.
• Safety First: 5-star Euro NCAP, season-appropriate tyres, 24/7 emergency phone assistance. For pre-trip safety planning, visit safe.hertz.is.
• Convenience: Available across all 11 Hertz Iceland locations, with direct pickup at KEF Airport Arrival Hall.

Kia Sportage Automatic vs Kia Sportage Manual: Which Version Fits Your Iceland Trip?

Rental Locations

The Kia Sportage AWD Automatic is available across all 11 Hertz Iceland locations:

What’s Included in Your Rental

• 24/7 emergency phone support across Iceland
• Unlimited mileage
• Free cancellation up to 16 days before pickup
• Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Third-party liability coverage
• VAT (included in your rental price)
  • Road tax (not included in the rental quote): it will be charged separately after return, based on actual km driven — see Road Tax section below
• Season-appropriate tyres (winter tyres in winter, summer tyres in warmer months)

Kia Sportage Automatic 4WD rental FAQ

• Can I drive the Kia Sportage on F-roads?
  Yes — in summer only. The Kia Sportage HTRAC AWD is permitted on F-roads and Highland tracks including the routes to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. F-roads are closed in winter. Always check road.is for current road status and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide to confirm vehicle eligibility before entering Highland areas.
• Kia Sportage automatic vs manual — which should I choose?
  Both have the same HTRAC AWD, F-road access, and 591-litre boot. The automatic is better for drivers who prefer transmission ease, for F-road sections where focusing on the track matters more than the gearbox, and for longer Ring Road days where automatic reduces fatigue. The manual offers engine braking control on highland descents and a slightly lower daily rate. If in doubt and you’re comfortable with manual, the Sportage Manual is the better value choice. If you prefer automatic, the automatic version is worth the small premium.
• How much luggage fits in the Kia Sportage?
  The boot holds 591 litres with all five seats in use — comfortably fitting 3 large hard-shell suitcases. With rear seats folded flat, load space expands to 1,715 litres. For 4 adults on a full Ring Road itinerary, 3 large suitcases in the boot leaves rear seat space entirely free for passengers.
• Is the Kia Sportage good for winter driving in Iceland?
  Yes. The Sportage HTRAC AWD with Snow mode and winter tyres provides confident traction on Iceland’s main roads in snow and ice. F-roads are closed in winter regardless of vehicle capability. For winter driving guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.
• Is the Kia Sportage a guaranteed model?
  No — it is rented on an “or similar” basis. If this exact model is unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable automatic AWD mid-size SUV. If you need a guaranteed specific vehicle, see our Guaranteed Model options including the BMW X3, BMW X5, Toyota Land Cruiser 250, Range Rover Sport PHEV, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Land Rover Defender 130.
• Does Hertz Iceland offer Roadside Assistance?
  Yes. Roadside Assistance can be added at the rental desk at pickup — not bookable online in advance. It costs 1,990 ISK/day standalone, or 990 ISK/day when added with MAX Coverage. If you need assistance during your rental, pay the service fee at the time, then bring your receipt when you return the car — we’ll refund the covered amount to your card on file. Emergency line: +354 858 0499 (24/7).
• Is the Kia Sportage comfortable for a 7–10 day Iceland road trip?
  Yes, the Kia Sportage is comfortable for a 7–10 day Iceland road trip. It has supportive seats, generous front and rear space, a composed ride and a relatively quiet cabin at cruising speeds. It suits two to four travellers on the Ring Road, Golden Circle and South Coast, including paved roads and maintained gravel roads. Depending on the engine version, the European Sportage has about 526–587 litres of luggage space, enough for up to eight carry-on suitcases in some versions. The ride can feel slightly firmer on 19-inch wheels or rough gravel.
• Where can I find driving safety information for Iceland?
  Hertz Iceland operates safe.hertz.is — a dedicated driving safety hub covering winter driving, F-road guidance, road conditions, and emergency contacts. Available to all travellers in Iceland, not just Hertz customers.
• Is the Kia Sportage stable in Iceland’s strong crosswinds?
  Yes, the Kia Sportage is generally stable in Iceland’s crosswinds. Its accurate steering, good grip and composed chassis make it predictable on paved roads. As a taller SUV it can still be pushed by sudden gusts, and no vehicle is fully stable in severe winds.
  
  In windy conditions:

  • Slow down before exposed areas.
  • Keep both hands on the wheel.
  • Avoid sudden steering, braking or acceleration.
  • Expect gusts when passing trucks or leaving sheltered areas.
  • Leave a longer following distance.
  • Check wind forecasts and road conditions before you set off.
  • Stop somewhere safe if holding your lane becomes difficult.
• Is the Kia Sportage a good choice for first-time visitors to Iceland?
  Yes, the Kia Sportage is a good all-round choice for first-time visitors to Iceland. It is comfortable, spacious and easy to drive, and the elevated seating position gives good visibility. It suits the Ring Road and Iceland’s main sightseeing routes. As anywhere in Iceland, adjust your speed and plans to the weather and road conditions.
• Can I pick up the Kia Sportage at Keflavik Airport and return it in Reykjavik?
  Yes. You can pick up your Kia Sportage at Keflavík Airport and return it in Reykjavík. A one-way fee applies and is shown in your price quote when you search on hertz.is, so you will see the full cost before you book.
• How many days do I need to drive the Ring Road in a Kia Sportage?
  We recommend 7 days or more for the Ring Road in a Kia Sportage. This gives you time for the main scenic stops, with comfortable driving days and room for weather changes. For route inspiration, see our Ring Road guide to scenic stops and must-see viewpoints.