KIA Sportage or similar| Manual | 4×4

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

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

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

The Kia Sportage Manual AWD is the lower-cost entry to the Sportage’s HTRAC AWD platform — a genuine 4×4 with F-road access, a 591-litre boot, and a 6-speed manual gearbox that puts full gear control in the driver’s hands. For travellers who are comfortable with a manual transmission and want to spend less on the daily hire rate while keeping every gram of AWD capability, the Sportage Manual is the more efficient choice.

The HTRAC AWD system is identical to the automatic version — the same permanent four-wheel traction, the same Snow mode, the same F-road access. The difference is entirely in the transmission: the manual gives you direct engine braking on highland descents, precise gear selection on approach roads, and a slightly lower daily rate than the Kia Sportage Automatic.

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

Yes — same HTRAC AWD and F-road capability as the automatic version, with the added advantage of direct gearbox control and a lower daily rate.

• Real-World Space: 591 litres of boot space with all seats in use — comfortably fitting 3 large hard-shell suitcases. Identical to the automatic version.
• F-Road & AWD Capability: HTRAC permanent AWD with Snow mode 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.
• Why Manual on Highland Routes: On technical F-road descents and steep highland approaches, the 6-speed manual allows precise engine braking without relying on the footbrake — a genuine mechanical advantage over an automatic on the most demanding sections.
• Engine Performance: 1.6L T-GDi turbo petrol, same output as the automatic version. Manual gearbox gives you full control over when to change gear on Iceland’s varied road surfaces — hold a gear longer on a climb, drop a gear earlier on a descent.
• 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 Manual the Right Choice?

• Summer F-road season (June–August): F-roads open, AWD confidence on highland tracks, engine braking control on technical descents — the manual version is the more capable highland tool for experienced manual drivers.
• Budget-conscious AWD travellers: The Sportage Manual delivers the same AWD platform and F-road access as the automatic at a lower daily rate — the right choice when you want to spend your budget on the experience rather than the transmission.
• Drivers who prefer manual control: If you drive manual at home and enjoy the engagement of gearbox control on varied roads, the Sportage Manual is more satisfying on Iceland’s highland tracks than its automatic equivalent.
• 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.

⚠️ Not ideal if:

• You prefer automatic transmission — the Kia Sportage Automatic is available at a slightly higher rate with the same AWD and F-road access.
• You need a guaranteed specific model — booked “or similar”; you may receive a comparable manual AWD SUV if the Sportage is unavailable.
• You want PHEV efficiency — the Sportage in our fleet is petrol only. For a PHEV AWD, 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.
• Transmission: Manual 6-speed — if you need automatic, book the Kia Sportage Automatic instead.
• 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 same whether you choose manual or automatic — the curved dual-screen display, the clean dashboard layout, the heated and ventilated front seats, the panoramic sunroof, and the dual-zone climate control are all unchanged. What differs is the centre console: the 6-speed manual gear lever sits where the automatic selector would be, and the clutch pedal occupies the leftmost position.

For drivers who are at home with a manual gearbox, the Sportage’s is well-weighted and precise — light clutch, short throw, a well-spaced gate. In Reykjavík’s city traffic it’s easy and unfatiguing. On the Ring Road’s longer stretches, sixth gear at cruise speed is smooth and economical. On highland F-road approaches, the ability to select the exact gear for the surface — second for a loose river approach, third for a steep volcanic gravel climb — gives the driver a level of direct control that an automatic system manages automatically but can’t replicate with the same precision.

The 591-litre boot, the rear legroom, and the overall cabin quality are identical to the automatic version. Four adults travel comfortably with three large suitcases in the boot without any rear seat compromise. At highland campsites and Ring Road guesthouse car parks, the LED headlights illuminate the surroundings well.

The Sportage Manual is the choice for the driver who wants to be engaged with the vehicle as well as the landscape — and who sees the manual gearbox not as a concession but as the more direct way to drive.

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 — identical to the automatic version. Folding the rear seats creates 1,715 litres of flat load space for couples travelling with bulky gear or camera equipment.

Why Hertz for a car rental 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 Manual is rented by category — if unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable manual 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.
• Best Value AWD F-Road Automatic in Fleet: The Sportage Manual delivers the same HTRAC AWD and F-road access as the automatic version at a lower daily rate — the highest value AWD package in this category.
• 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 Manual vs Kia Sportage Automatic: Which Version Fits Your Iceland Trip?

Rental Locations

The Kia Sportage Manual AWD 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 4WD Rental car FAQ

• Can I drive the Kia Sportage Manual on F-roads?

  Yes — in summer only. The Kia Sportage Manual 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 manual vs automatic — which should I choose?

  Both have identical HTRAC AWD, F-road access, and 591-litre boot. The manual gives you direct engine braking control on highland descents, more driving engagement on technical F-road sections, and a slightly lower daily rate. The automatic is better for city driving ease, drivers who don’t regularly use a manual gearbox, and those who want transmission management handled automatically on complex terrain. If you’re comfortable with a manual and are planning highland F-road driving, the manual version is the better value and the more capable highland tool. See the Kia Sportage Automatic if you prefer automatic.

• 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. Identical to the automatic version. With rear seats folded, load space expands to 1,715 litres for couples carrying bulky gear or camera equipment.

• Is the Kia Sportage Manual good for winter driving in Iceland?

  Yes. HTRAC AWD with Snow mode and winter tyres provides confident traction on Iceland’s main roads in snow and ice. The manual gearbox adds engine braking capability on icy descents — a useful additional control input in winter conditions. F-roads are closed in winter regardless of vehicle capability. For winter driving guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.

• Is the Kia Sportage Manual a guaranteed model?

  No — it is rented on an “or similar” basis. If this exact model is unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable manual 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).

• 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.

• How much cheaper is the Kia Sportage manual than the automatic?

  The manual Sportage is generally slightly cheaper than the automatic, but Hertz doesn’t publish a fixed percentage or a permanent price difference. The saving varies with your dates, demand and rental length, so compare both categories using the same booking details. The Pay Now option is discounted compared with Pay on Arrival, which can increase your savings.

• I haven’t driven stick shift in years. Is the manual Sportage easy to drive?

  If you haven’t driven stick shift for years, we don’t recommend the manual Sportage but the automatic version. It may take time to feel comfortable. Its six-speed gearbox gives good control and engine braking, but an automatic is the safer and less tiring choice if you aren’t confident with hill starts, clutch control or choosing gears on unfamiliar roads.

• Is it hard to drive a manual 4×4 on F-roads and steep Highland tracks?

  A manual 4×4 can be useful on F-roads because it lets you choose gears deliberately and use engine braking on steep descents. Rough climbs, loose surfaces and river approaches demand good clutch control, though. Stalling, changing gear at the wrong moment or slipping the clutch too much can create risks. If you are rusty with a manual, choose the automatic Sportage or a more capable automatic 4×4 for a Highland itinerary.

• What is the gas mileage (MPG) of the manual Kia Sportage?

  For the 1.6-liter turbo AWD manual gas model, a reasonable estimate is approximately 28–32 mpg US (around 7.3–8.4 L/100 km). Actual consumption in Iceland depends on wind, gradients, gravel, luggage, tire type and your driving technique.

• Can I cross rivers in the manual Kia Sportage?

  The Sportage is approved for officially open F-roads in summer, but it isn’t the preferred vehicle for routes with substantial river crossings. F-road approval doesn’t mean every crossing is safe or suitable. River-crossing and water damage, recovery costs and underbody damage are not covered by any Hertz Iceland protection package, so you could be responsible for the full repair cost. Avoid crossings when the current is strong or the depth is uncertain. For routes with lots of water, choose a high-clearance vehicle such as a Land Cruiser or Defender, and turn around whenever conditions look doubtful.