Land Rover Defender Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

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

The Land Rover Defender 110 Plug-in Hybrid is a PHEV permitted on F-roads. It combines a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine with a 105 kW electric motor for 398 bhp combined, permanent AWD, and DC fast-charging capability — giving you highland track access alongside PHEV efficiency. Rented on an “or similar” basis. Minimum age 23. Two credit cards required at pickup. Charging cable not included — add at booking via hertz.is.

Land Rover Defender 110 PHEV Rental Iceland: Plug-in Hybrid AWD Guide

The Land Rover Defender 110 Plug-in Hybrid occupies a unique position in the Hertz Iceland fleet — it is the only plug-in hybrid vehicle we operate that is permitted on Iceland’s F-roads and Highland tracks. Every other PHEV in the fleet (BMW X3, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Tucson) is limited to paved and gravel roads. The Defender PHEV is not.

It combines Land Rover’s full Terrain Response 4×4 system, air suspension, and twin-speed transfer case with a 398 bhp petrol-electric drivetrain and DC fast-charging capability. For travellers who want premium highland access and PHEV fuel efficiency in a single vehicle — without choosing between the two — this is the only option in our fleet that delivers both.

⚠️ Important: The charging cable is not included as standard. Add it during booking at hertz.is. Without the cable, the Defender PHEV operates as a full-capability petrol AWD — still entirely capable on F-roads and all Iceland road types.

Is the Land Rover Defender PHEV Good for Driving in Iceland?

Yes — it’s the most capable PHEV in the Hertz Iceland fleet and the only one with unrestricted F-road access.

• Real-World Space: 4 large hard-shell suitcases plus additional soft bags with all five seats in use. Note the PHEV battery pack raises the boot floor by 36mm and reduces total boot volume by approximately 116 litres compared to the petrol/diesel Defender — still generous for five people, but worth noting for groups with maximum luggage.
• F-Road & Highland Capability: Full Terrain Response system with dedicated drive modes (Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl), air suspension, locking differentials, 291mm ground clearance, and 900mm wading depth. The electric motor’s instant torque delivery provides additional advantage on low-speed technical F-road sections. Check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering any F-road.
• Performance: 398 bhp combined, 640 Nm torque, 0–100 km/h in 5.6 seconds — the fastest-accelerating Defender variant outside the V8. More than sufficient for Iceland’s highland ascents and main road driving.
• EV Range & Charging: WLTP-rated 40–43 km electric range, real-world ~37–43 km. DC fast-charging to 80% in approximately 30 minutes — unique among PHEVs in the fleet. AC charging via 7.4 kW wallbox takes approximately 2 hours for a full charge.
• Winter Performance: Permanent AWD with Terrain Response Snow mode and winter tyres provides exceptional confidence on Iceland’s winter main roads. F-roads are closed in winter. For winter driving guidance, visit safe.hertz.is.
• Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP. Standard autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, 3D surround camera, and driver condition monitor across all PHEV trims.

When Is the Defender PHEV the Right Choice?

• Summer F-road season (June–August): The Defender PHEV’s defining advantage — F-road access combined with PHEV efficiency on the paved highway legs getting there. Charge in Reykjavík, drive on petrol through the highlands, charge again at your next hotel.
• Year-Round Ring Road: Powerful, comfortable, and capable in all weather. AWD with winter tyres and Terrain Response Snow mode for winter; full highland access for summer.
• Eco-conscious Highland travellers: The only way to reach Iceland’s F-road destinations in a plug-in hybrid vehicle — no other PHEV in the fleet is permitted there.

⚠️ Not ideal if:

• You need maximum towing capacity — the PHEV is rated to 3,000 kg vs the gas Defender’s 3,500 kg.
• You need maximum boot space — the PHEV battery reduces boot volume by ~116L and raises the floor 36mm vs the gas Defender. For maximum luggage capacity, the gas Defender 110 is the better choice.
• You cannot present two credit cards at pickup — this is non-negotiable for all Defender rentals.
• You need a guaranteed specific model — booked “or similar.”

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: Two valid credit cards in the main renter’s name required at pickup.
• Charging Cable: Not included as standard — add at booking via hertz.is.
• F-Road Policy: Permitted (summer only). Check road.is and safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide before entering Highland areas.

Inside the Land Rover Defender PHEV

The Defender PHEV cabin is identical in character to the gas Defender — commanding, purpose-built, and unmistakably premium without being fussy. The difference you notice in the PHEV is in how the vehicle moves: the electric motor’s instant torque delivery makes low-speed manoeuvring on highland tracks and tight gravel switchbacks noticeably more precise, and at motorway speeds on the Ring Road the transition between electric and petrol power is seamless enough that you’ll rarely notice it happening.

The 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen manages Terrain Response modes, navigation, and charging status in one interface — useful when you’re switching between road types and want the vehicle to reconfigure itself without manual adjustment. The PHEV-specific drive display also shows battery state and power flow, though in practice most Defender PHEV drivers in Iceland use it as a reference rather than actively managing it.

Heated seats, air suspension, and the elevated driving position remain unchanged from the gas version — five adults sit comfortably, the rear doors open wide for access on uneven highland parking, and the boot, while slightly shallower than the gas Defender, loads four large suitcases without difficulty.

The sound profile is the most distinctive difference: at low speeds and in city driving, the Defender PHEV runs nearly silently on electric power — an unusual experience in a vehicle this size and capable.

Land Rover Defender PHEV Dimensions, Seating and Luggage

Why Rent a Land Rover Defender Plug-in Hybrid 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.
• The Only F-Road PHEV in Our Fleet: The Defender PHEV is the sole plug-in hybrid vehicle we operate with F-road clearance — no other PHEV or EV in our fleet accesses the Highlands.
• Or Similar Guarantee: If this exact model is unavailable, you’ll receive a comparable large AWD PHEV. Never downgraded in capability class.
• Under 2 Years Old: Every Defender in our fleet is under two years old — full warranty in effect, current specification.
• 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.

Hertz Iceland: Locally Operated Since 1971

As Iceland’s premier local experts for over 55 years, we combine international standards with deep-rooted knowledge of Icelandic terrain. Rent with the authority that knows every F-road and weather pattern since 1971.

Defender PHEV vs Defender Gas: Which Fits Your Iceland Trip?

Rental Locations

The Land Rover Defender PHEV 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 wil be charged separately after return, based on actual km driven — see Road Tax section below
• Season-appropriate tyres

⚠️ Charging cable not included — add at booking via hertz.is.
⚠️ Two credit cards required at pickup

PHEV Land Rover Defender 4×4 Rental FAQ

• Is the Defender PHEV permitted on F-roads?

  Yes — in summer only. The Defender PHEV is the only PHEV in the Hertz Iceland fleet permitted on F-roads and Highland tracks. 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.

• What is the minimum age to rent the Defender PHEV?

  The minimum age is 23 years old. A valid driving licence held for at least one year is required. If your licence is not in Roman script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required. Two valid credit cards in the main renter’s name must be presented at pickup.

• Is the charging cable included?

  No. The charging cable must be added separately during booking at hertz.is. Without it, the Defender PHEV operates as a fully capable petrol AWD — ideal for F-road and highland use where charging infrastructure is not available. The PHEV supports DC fast-charging up to 50 kW (~30 minutes to 80%) and AC charging at 7.4 kW (~2 hours full charge) when the cable is added.

• How does the PHEV system work in Iceland?

  The Defender PHEV combines a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine with a 105 kW electric motor for 398 bhp combined output. It offers approximately 40–43 km of electric-only range (real-world ~37–43 km) — most useful for Reykjavík city driving and shorter hotel-to-attraction legs. The petrol engine handles longer Ring Road days and all highland F-road driving where charging is unavailable. The hybrid system manages power delivery automatically, so you don’t need to actively switch between modes.

• Defender PHEV vs Defender gas — which is better for Iceland?

  Both have identical F-road clearance, Terrain Response capability, AWD, and automatic transmission. The PHEV adds ~40 km of electric range and DC fast-charging capability — better for travellers combining Ring Road driving with city stays where overnight charging is available. The gas Defender offers more boot space (~116L more), higher towing capacity (3,500 kg vs 3,000 kg), and no charging logistics — better for groups maximising luggage or towing a trailer. For pure highland and F-road capability, both are equally capable.

• Any driving tips for F-roads and the Highlands?

  Check road.is for current road status, vedur.is for weather, and safetravel.is for travel alerts before every highland departure. Visit safe.hertz.is/f-road-guide to confirm this vehicle’s F-road eligibility. Drive slowly on gravel, engage the correct Terrain Response mode for the surface, and never attempt closed routes or unbridged river crossings alone.

• 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 F-road guidance, winter driving, road conditions, and emergency contacts. Available to all travellers in Iceland, not just Hertz customers.

• How long can I rent a Land Rover Defender PHEV for?

  You can rent the Land Rover Defender PHEV for one day, several days or weeks, subject to availability. Enter your full rental period in the search widget on hertz.is. For a rental of several months, contact Hertz Iceland directly about a long-term arrangement.

• How much luggage can I fit in a Land Rover Defender PHEV?

  The Hertz Iceland Defender 110 PHEV category has five seats and space for approximately three large suitcases. If four or five passengers are carrying full vacation luggage, use soft-sided bags or consider a larger vehicle.

• What should I do if the Land Rover Defender PHEV has a problem during my rental?

  If the Defender shows a warning light, breaks down or has another serious problem:

  • Stop somewhere safe, and don’t keep driving if that could make the problem worse.
  • Call Hertz Iceland’s 24-hour vehicle emergency line at +354 858 0499.
  • Call 112 immediately if anyone is injured or the vehicle creates a danger.
  • Photograph any damage, and complete an accident report after a collision.
  • If the vehicle is still safe to drive, Hertz may ask you to take it to the nearest branch. Otherwise, roadside recovery must be arranged.
  • Optional Roadside Assistance can be added at pickup. It costs 1,990 ISK per day on its own, or 990 ISK per day with MAX Coverage, subject to its terms and exclusions.
• Is the Land Rover Defender PHEV suitable for long-distance trips in Iceland?

  Yes. The Defender PHEV is well suited to the Ring Road and long-distance Iceland trips. It combines an automatic transmission, 4×4 capability and comfortable touring with a gas engine, so your trip continues normally after the usable electric charge runs out. Hertz estimates a combined real-world gas and electric range of approximately 373-559 miles (600-900 km) for its PHEV fleet. Actual range depends on weather, route, speed, vehicle load and how often you charge.