Lava Car Rental vs McRent

Lava Car Rental and McRent occupy opposite ends of the Iceland campervan spectrum. Lava Car Rental is a family-owned Icelandic operation founded in 2016, primarily a car rental company that also offers campervans. Its camper fleet is intentionally narrow: a single model, the Renault Kangoo (2024-2025 model years, automatic transmission, 2WD). This simplicity means there is no fleet comparison to agonize over — you book the one vehicle available. McRent, by contrast, is a pan-European motorhome brand headquartered in Germany, operating rental stations across the continent. Its Iceland offering includes multiple motorhome categories — Compact, Family, and Premium — giving travelers a broader range of vehicle sizes and layouts to choose from.

The vehicles themselves serve different travel styles. Lava Car Rental's Kangoo is a compact campervan sized for two people, well-suited to paved roads and the Ring Road but limited to 2WD — F-roads and highland tracks are off the table. Core equipment like cooling, heating, power, water, and furniture come trip-ready, though sleeping and cooking gear carry caveats worth checking before booking. McRent's motorhomes are larger, full-bodied vehicles that can accommodate families or groups. Sleeping and furniture are listed as add-ons rather than included by default, and cooking equipment comes with caveats, so travelers should confirm exactly what is bundled versus extra when booking.

Market positioning differs significantly. Lava Car Rental operates from Keflavik Airport with 24/7 summer pickup, making it a straightforward choice for travelers who want to start their trip immediately on landing. Its base package bundles TPL, CDW, SCDW, gravel protection, and unlimited mileage, with free cancellation requiring just 24 hours' notice. McRent's cancellation policy is fee-based on a tiered schedule ranging from a flat EUR 100 fee to up to 95% of the rental cost depending on timing. McRent's strength is its European network scale and the availability of true motorhomes — a vehicle class that most Iceland-based campervan specialists do not offer. Travelers considering McRent should verify current Iceland station details, pickup logistics, and fleet availability directly, as Iceland-specific operating information was limited at the time of this comparison.