Mid-late September, Ring Road - 1) compact car? 2) itinerary check?

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twoskips
twoskips

My primary question is: do you think we'll need a 4wd to do the Ring Road in mid to late September? I emailed the Cars Iceland guys for their recommendation and they said a normal car ("suzuki swift/toyota yaris") would be fine, but I've read so many accounts that we should get a 4x4. If helpful, the planned spots as of now are below.

Itinerary - in progress and I know it's a lot of driving, but would appreciate feedback as well!

Day 1
Reykjavic
Stay: Reykjavic

Day 2
Snaefaellsnus (potentially)
Power through to Dalvik or Akureyri, drive around Trollaskagi Peninsula
Stay: Dalvi / Akureyri

Day 3
Godafoss
Myvatn area (Grjotagja, Hverfell crater, Namafjall, Krafla)
Stay: ??

Day 4
Detifoss
Get to East Iceland
Stay: Seyðisfjörður

Day 5
Hofn
Jökulsárlón
Skaftefell (Svartifoss)
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Stay: Vik??

Day 6
Seljalandsfoss
Black beach
Skogafoss
Stay: Reykjavic

Day 7
Depart

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bjoern
bjoern

As far as I can see you can reach the parkinglot at the attractions you list on good paved or unpaved roads that def. do not call for 4wd.
The ringroad itself - main road 1 - can be driven in any car.

Personally I think the majority of rented 4wd cars are rented to support an image of doing some expedition into the wilderness, insted of just visiting one more civilized country with a special nature.

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twoskips
twoskips
In response to #1

Thank you, that's helpful!!

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distantisland
distantisland

I've been on ring road and near Akureyri on Suzuki Swift / VW Golf on October and December. It's just fine. When the weather gets bad it's more about driving skills (and sense to stay away from the road) than what kind of car you have. And September won't be that bad. At least I booked Suzuki Swift for the last week of September to get to Snæfellsnes.

Your day 2, day 3 and day 5 sound quite extreme.
I don't know how you will have time to go to Snæfellsnes if you are staying in Dalvik or Akureyri.
On day 3 I would guess you will stay in Myvatn since there isn't much between Myvatn and Seyðisfjörður.
Day 4 is the only relaxed day.

Remember to add some 25% extra on the driving times given by Google Maps since there are speed limits.

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twoskips
twoskips
In response to #3

Thank you for weighing in! I will definitely take what you said into account and reassess our itinerary a bit.

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