SIXT wants to help you confidently choose the right hire a car by better understanding the ACRISS car hire code system. Knowing what car code letters mean provides you with a clearer idea of the vehicle class and characteristics of any model. Feel more certain that your car hire will meet your expectations and your requirements with our guide to the ACRISS rental car classification codes. Our vehicle categories are based on the ACRISS coding system, with a few adaptations. Some classifications are SIXT-defined and may differ from the official ACRISS standard.
What are ACRISS codes?
ACRISS codes (created by the Association of Car Rental Industry Systems Standards) are used to categorise hire vehicles, depending on certain characteristics they have. It helps to cluster a set of similar cars, so that in the event a specific model is not available, we are able to offer you a similar vehicle from the same category. Here at SIXT we have a comprehensive set of categories, including compact / saloons, 4x4s / SUVs, people carriers, luxury cars and vans.
Composition of ACRISS Codes
The ACRISS Code consists of 4 letters - each defining a vehicle characteristic.
- Vehicles are first assigned to a category according to their size (length and boot volume).
- Secondly, premium OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vehicles are separated into a dedicated "Elite" subcategory per size category.
- The body style, transmission, and engine type will be defined by the last three digits.
Specification for EU and UK:
Standard and Fullsize categories have same defining criteria, but all standard OEMs will be allocated to Standard and premium OEMs to Fullsize
Addition:
- V as 4th letter indicates a Petrol ICE car (Internal Combustion Engine)
- D as 3rd letter indicates a car with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Each Letter of our classification system explained:
| 1st Letter: Category |
|---|
M = Mini |
E = Economy |
H = Economy Elite |
C = Compact |
D = Compact Elite |
I = Intermediate |
J = Intermediate Elite |
S = Standard |
R = Standard Elite |
F = Fullsize |
G = Fullsize Elite |
P = Premium |
U = Premium Elite |
L = Luxury |
W = Luxury Elite |
X = Extraordinary |
| 2nd Letter: Body Type |
|---|
B = 2-3 Door |
L = 4-door Gran Coupé |
W = Wagon |
D = 4-door Sedan |
F = SUV |
T = Convertible |
E = 2-door-Coupé |
V = Van |
Z = Lucky Dip Vehicle |
| 3rd Letter: Drive Type |
|---|
M = Manual |
A = Automatic |
D = All-Wheel Drive (Automatic) |
L* = Luxury Vehicles (Automatic) |
S* = Special Cars (Automatic) |
| 4th Letter: Fuel & Air Con |
|---|
R = Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) |
H = Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
E = Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV, Short Range) |
C = Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV, Long Range) |
V*= 5+2 Seater vehicles (ICE) |
P* = additional differentiator for luxury cars |
Y* = additional differentiator for luxury cars |
Please note: Entries marked with an asterisk (*) reflect SIXT's own vehicle classifications and are not official ACRISS-defined categories.
Some ACRISS Code Examples
| ACRISS code | Vehicle Groups | Vehicle Examples |
|---|---|---|
IWAR | Intermediate wagon | Skoda Octavia |
GVAR | Elite Van with 7+ seats | Mercedes Benz V-Class |
JEAR | Intermediate Elite 2-door Coupé | BMW 2 Series Coupé |
WFDR | Luxury Elite All-Wheel Drive SUV | BMW X5 |
Note on Passenger Vans: Vans follow a special ACRISS definition where the category letter (1st letter) also indicates passenger capacity. For example, GVAR represents an Elite Van with 7+ seats and extra space. SIXT's van fleet goes up to 9 seats (WF category).
Some of our Most Popular ACRISS Groups
Compact wagon
e.g. Peugeot 308
Intermediate Sedan (4 doors)
e.g. Skoda Octavia
Premium Elite SUV
e.g. Audi Q5
FAQs
ACRISS indicates the vehicle class, not a guaranteed model. You’ll always receive a vehicle from the same category or higher.
Yes. The third letter shows transmission: A = Automatic, M = Manual.
Letter combinations like H, E, C in the 4th Letter (Fuel & Air Con) mark hybrid or electric technologies.
Yes, SUVs and vans are included in ACRISS categories. These vehicle types are specifically represented in the 2nd letter (Body Type) of the four-letter ACRISS code.
You’ll receive a vehicle from the same ACRISS class even if the exact model is unavailable.
No, hire groups do not mean guaranteed models. The ACRISS coding system represents vehicle categories and characteristics, not specific guaranteed models.
You may also be interested in
Explore more of our car hire services at SIXT here. Discover options tailored to your needs and find the perfect vehicle for your journey.