Is a 4x4 a must in Iceland in April/May?
To rent a 4x4 small car is about 740 € (2 weeks) vs a small compact that is just 260 €. I have some experience driving off-road and I know that a "normal" car cannot go through some f-roads I've seen in pictures. In the other hand, my budget is limited, so I'd like to know if a 4x4 car is really a "must" in end of April. This question talks about a similar topic in August, but I expect a very different weather in April/May. There, the accepted answer states:
You do not need a 4x4 on "normal" roads. If you plan to stay on the primary roads you can get by fine without one
It's still true in April?
Of course I want to have access to every tourist attraction (Geysir, Gullfoss, Vatnajokul, Landmannalaugar, Jokulsarlon...) and it could be very frustrating to not visit a sight because we cannot access to it. In case that only a couple of interesting sights were impossible to visit without a 4x4, if there is an alternative (public bus for instance) it will be ok for me and will rent the non 4x4 car.
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Do you need 4WD in Iceland in April?
You NEVER need a 4x4 in Iceland unless in the middle of the summer, if people plan on driving the rugged highlands. The key element for driving in winter is not the type of traction (unless you're in the parking lot stuck on ice), but having studded tires.Do you need a 4x4 for Ring Road Iceland?
If you plan on exploring the Highlands, you absolutely need a 4-wheel drive in Iceland. If you're just going to make your way around the Ring Road, you don't. And if you're coming between the winter months of November to March, I would recommend a 4WD vehicle. Hope this cleared some things up.Is it easy to drive in Iceland in April?
There are a lot of festivals held in Iceland in April, and you will have endless options for fun activities. Moreover, road conditions get a lot better out in the countryside, so driving becomes a lot easier. If you enjoy the freedom of the open roads, we definitely recommend a road trip in April!Should I rent a 4x4 in Iceland?
a) Where will you be traveling? If you're just planning to get a rental car in Reykjavik and drive on the Ring Road, then it's not necessary to get a 4WD vehicle. Not a bad idea, but definitely not essential. However, if you plan to go to places like the Highlands, you will definitely, 100% NEED a 4\xd74 car rental.April in Iceland | ULTIMATE travel guide
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Images: Mikhail Nilov, Stijn Dijkstra, Gylfi Gylfason, Kamil