Mazda CX-30 or similar | Automatic | 2WD

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

The Mazda CX-30 is a compact automatic 2WD SUV — fuel-efficient, well-equipped, and well-suited to Iceland’s paved roads and main summer routes. Available on an “or similar” basis across all 11 Hertz Iceland locations. Not permitted on F-roads or Highland tracks. Minimum age 20. One credit card required.

Mazda CX-30 Rental in Iceland: Automatic Compact SUV Guide

The Mazda CX-30 is a refined, well-equipped compact SUV that covers Iceland’s main road network with ease — a smart choice for solo travellers, couples, or small groups planning paved-road itineraries in summer. Its 186 PS engine, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating place it well above what its price tier suggests, and at 4,395mm it’s compact enough to park comfortably at any stop along the Ring Road or in central Reykjavík.

This is not the vehicle for F-roads, Highland tracks, or winter driving in demanding conditions — it’s front-wheel drive, and Iceland’s highland terrain requires a 4×4. For those, see our 4×4 fleet. For travellers whose Iceland plan stays on paved main roads in summer, the CX-30 is one of the most comfortable and well-equipped choices at this price point.

When Is the Mazda CX-30 the Right Choice?

• Summer (June–August): The CX-30’s ideal season — Ring Road entirely paved, Golden Circle and South Coast accessible, Snæfellsnes Peninsula manageable. Standard gravel car parks at major attractions are within its capability.
• Shoulder season (May, September): Suitable with care on main roads. Monitor road.is and en.vedur.is daily — unexpected snowfall or ice on shoulder-season mornings is where a 2WD compact reaches its limits.

The CX-30 suits solo travellers and couples who want more refinement and space than an economy hatchback without the cost or size of a mid-size SUV, and budget-conscious groups of 3 who can travel light.

⚠️ Not ideal if:

• You plan any F-road or Highland driving — strictly forbidden, no exceptions. See safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide for eligible vehicles.
• You are travelling in winter — we recommend a 4×4 for Iceland’s winter conditions. The CX-30’s 2WD layout means significantly less confidence on snow and ice than an AWD vehicle.
• You are 4 people with full-size luggage — 430 litres is tight for four hard-shell suitcases. The Hyundai i10 handles less; a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sorento handles more.
• You need a guaranteed specific model — the CX-30 is or-similar; you’ll receive a comparable automatic compact SUV.

Rental Requirements & Restrictions

• Minimum Age: 20 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: STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. The CX-30 is not permitted on F-roads or Highland tracks under any circumstances.

Inside the Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 cabin is where this vehicle’s value proposition becomes clear. Mazda’s interior design philosophy — what the company calls Jinba Ittai, a driver-focused approach built around the feeling of horse and rider moving as one — produces a cabin that feels deliberately crafted rather than assembled to a budget.

The 10.25-inch Mazda Connect touchscreen sits high on the dashboard for easy glancing, paired with a windscreen-projected head-up display that keeps speed, navigation guidance, and traffic sign alerts in your sightline without requiring you to look away from Iceland’s roads. Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go makes the long straight stretches of the Ring Road — particularly the East Fjords and the run from Akureyri north — significantly more relaxing than in a vehicle without it.

Front seats are supportive and well-bolstered, heated in colder months, and comfortable on 4–5 hour driving days. Rear legroom is honest rather than generous — two adults fit, but a long day in the back for tall passengers would become noticeable after a few hours. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration keeps connectivity simple, and the reversing camera and rear parking sensors take the stress out of tight campsite and waterfall car park manoeuvring.

At 4,395mm, the CX-30 is compact enough to feel genuinely easy to place on Iceland’s narrower gravel approach roads, and to park on the tight streets of central Reykjavík without anxiety. For a couple on a 7–10 day Ring Road itinerary, the size is a feature, not a limitation.

Mazda CX-30 Dimensions, Seating and Luggage For Your Trip

The CX-30’s 430-litre boot fits 2 large hard-shell suitcases with all seats in use. For 1–2 people travelling with soft bags or a mix of small bags, space is generous and the flat-folding rear seats create a surprisingly large load area. For three or more people with full luggage, soft bags are essential — hard-shell cases for three people will not fit comfortably.

Why Rent a Mazda CX-30 in Iceland with Hertz 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 CX-30 is rented by category — if unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable automatic compact SUV. Never downgraded in class.
• Under 2 Years Old: Every CX-30 in our fleet is under two years old — current specification, low mileage, full manufacturer safety features in effect.
• Safety First: Season-appropriate tyres fitted as standard (winter tyres in winter), plus 24/7 emergency phone assistance across the entire island. 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.

History of Mazda

Mazda was founded in Hiroshima, Japan in 1920, initially manufacturing cork products before pivoting to machine tools and then three-wheeled trucks in the 1930s. The company entered passenger car production in the 1960s and built its international reputation on engineering innovation — most notably the rotary Wankel engine, which powered the iconic Mazda RX-7 and positioned the brand as a driver-focused alternative to mainstream Japanese manufacturers.

In the decades since, Mazda has consistently prioritised driving dynamics and interior quality over pure volume — a philosophy reflected in its Jinba Ittai design ethos and the consistent 5-star safety ratings across its current lineup. The CX-30, launched in 2019 and updated in 2022, brings this approach to the compact SUV segment that suits urban and regional road driving best.

Renting a Mazda CX-30 with Hertz Iceland means choosing a vehicle designed to make the driver’s experience the priority — refined, safe, and well-suited to Iceland’s long paved-road driving days.

Mazda CX-30 vs Hyundai i10: Which Fits Your Iceland Trip?

Rental Locations

The Mazda CX-30 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
• Discount on fuel
• Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Third-party liability coverage
• VAT (included in your rental price)
  • Road tax (not included in the rental quote): it wil be charged separately after return, based on actual km driven — see Road Tax section below
• Season-appropriate tyres

Renting a Mazda CX-30 in Iceland FAQ

• Can I reserve this exact model?

  The Mazda CX-30 is rented on an “or similar” basis — reservations are made by category, not specific model. If the CX-30 is unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable automatic compact SUV of similar size and specification. 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.

• Can I drive the Mazda CX-30 on F-roads in Iceland?

  No. The Mazda CX-30 is a 2WD front-wheel-drive vehicle and is strictly forbidden on F-roads and Highland tracks under any circumstances. For F-road access, you need a 4×4 vehicle approved for highland use. Check safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide to see which vehicles in our fleet are F-road eligible.

• Is the Mazda CX-30 good for winter driving in Iceland?

  We generally recommend a 4×4 for Iceland’s winter conditions. The CX-30 comes with season-appropriate winter tyres during the legal season, which helps on cleared main roads. However, its 2WD front-wheel-drive layout means significantly less stability and traction than an AWD vehicle in snow or ice. If you choose the CX-30 in winter, stay on cleared main roads only, check road.is and en.vedur.is before every drive, and avoid mountain passes. For winter driving guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.

• How many passengers and bags fit in the Mazda CX-30?

  The CX-30 seats up to 5 passengers but is most comfortable for 1–3 adults. The boot holds 430 litres with all seats up — fitting 2 large hard-shell suitcases comfortably. For 3 people, soft bags are strongly recommended. Folding the rear seats significantly expands the load area for couples travelling with flexible luggage.

• What is included in the rental price?

  Your rental includes: free cancellation up to 16 days before pickup, 24/7 emergency phone support, discount on fuel, basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), third-party liability coverage, unlimited mileage, and VAT. Season-appropriate tyres are fitted as standard. For additional coverage options including our ZERO excess MAX Coverage package, see hertz.is/protection-information.

• 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 Mazda CX-30 in Iceland the same as the one in the US?

  It is the same CX-30 model and body size, but not necessarily the same specification. The Hertz Iceland version is an automatic 2WD category. Current US-market CX-30 models come with standard i-ACTIV AWD and a 2.5-liter gas engine.

• Is the Mazda CX-30 big enough for a Ring Road trip?

  Yes. It is large enough for a summer Ring Road trip, especially for one or two travelers, a couple, or a small family packing lightly. Hertz lists five seats and room for approximately three large bags, but four adults with a lot of luggage may find the cabin and trunk tight on a long trip. The rental is intended for paved roads and ordinary gravel roads, not F-roads or Highland tracks. For a winter Ring Road trip or difficult shoulder season conditions, an AWD vehicle gives better traction.

• Is the Mazda CX-30 easy to drive and park in Reykjavik?

  Yes. At approximately 4.4 meters (14.4 ft) long, the CX-30 is compact enough for Reykjavík’s streets and parking spaces, and it sits higher than a typical hatchback. The automatic transmission makes city driving easier, and parking sensors and a rearview camera help where fitted. Equipment can vary by rental vehicle, so confirm the parking assistance features at pickup.

• What safety features does the Mazda CX-30 have for Iceland’s roads?

  Depending on trim, the European Mazda CX-30’s i-Activsense safety equipment can include:

  • Smart Brake Support with automatic emergency braking.
  • Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.
  • Blind spot monitoring.
  • Rear cross-traffic alert.
  • Driver attention monitoring.
  • Adaptive radar cruise control.
  • Traffic sign recognition.
  • Rearview camera and parking sensors.

  These systems can assist on long drives, in Reykjavík traffic and when visibility is reduced, but they can’t make up for excessive speed, ice, strong winds or driver inattention. Always adjust your speed to Iceland’s weather and road conditions.