Understanding car rental classifications can help you choose the right vehicle for your journey. Choose something too small and you’ll struggle to fit all your passengers and your luggage before you’ve even left the pickup point. Opt for something too large and you may have spent more than necessary and will have to try to drive a large car on unfamiliar roads.
With so many different rental categories, codes, and terms, choosing the right rental car can feel daunting. This guide breaks down common classification systems used by rental companies, helping you match the best vehicle to your travel plans.
What Are Car Rental Classifications?
Car rental companies group vehicles into categories based on their size, features and performance. Often the categories are coded using the Association of Car Rental Industry Systems Standards (ACRISS) system, which allows there to be consistency across countries and providers. Some rental car providers will adopt their own naming conventions but they’re usually referring to the same underlying vehicle categories.
Rental Categories
The ACRISS matrix is made up of four letters:
- Vehicle category
- Body style or number of doors
- Transmission or drivetrain
- Fuel type or air conditioning
1st Letter: Car Category
| ACRISS Code | Category | ACRISS Code | Category |
| M | Mini | R | Standard Elite |
| N | Mini Elite | F | Full Size |
| E | Economy | G | Full Size Elite |
| H | Economy Elite | P | Premium |
| C | Compact | U | Premium Elite |
| D | Compact Elite | L | Luxury |
| I | Intermediate | W | Luxury Elite |
| J | Intermediate Elite | O | Oversize |
| S | Standard | X | Special |
Mini/Economy
These are small, fuel-efficient cars perfect for short trips and whizzing around a city.
Compact/Intermediate
These cars are slightly larger. They have more room for luggage and would suit couples and small families best.
Full Size/Standard
A car of this size will be comfortable for a longer journey as there should be plenty of room for both passengers and luggage.
Luxury/Premium
Cars labelled luxury or premium are high-end vehicles that offer additional comfort, performance and style. Able to get any size car in a luxury or premium model.
SUV/4×4
Designed to be used on uneven terrain, often with all-wheel drive and are perfect for families.
People Carriers
Ideal for larger groups or extra luggage needs.
2nd Letter: Body Style/Number of Doors
| ACRISS Code | Body Style/Number of Doors |
| B | 2-3 Door |
| C | 2/4 Door |
| D | 4-5 Door |
| W | Wagon/Estate |
| V | Passengar Van |
| L | Limousine/Sedan |
| S | Sport |
| T | Convertible |
| F | SUV |
| J | Open Air All Terrain |
| X | Special |
3rd Letter: Transmission/Drive
| ACRISS Code | Transmission/Drive |
| M | Manual Unspecified Drive |
| N | Manual 4WD |
| C | Manual AWD |
| A | Auto Unspecified Drive |
| B | Auto 4WD |
| D | Auto AWD |
4th Letter: Fuel/Air Conditioning
| ACRISS Code | Description |
| R | Unspecified Fuel, With Air |
| N | Unspecified Fuel, No Air |
| D | Diesel with Air |
| Q | Diesel, No Air |
| E | Electric Vehicle |
| V | Petrol with Air |
| Z | Petrol, No Air |
For example, if you see the code CCMN, this means it’s a:
- Compact car
- 2/4 door
- Manual unspecified drive
- No aircon
A model for this ACRISS code would be something like a Ford Focus.
Choosing the Right Rental Car for Your Needs
Location
Consider where you’ll be driving. City trips benefit from compact cars that are easy to park, whilst rural or mountainous terrain might require something with more space and power.
Budget
Fuel efficiency matters. Diesel and hybrid vehicles often offer better mileage for long drives. Research fuel prices in your destination country to plan wisely.
Season and Climate
Air conditioning is essential in hot weather (look for ‘V’, ‘D’ or ‘R’ in the ACRISS code), while in snowy or icy areas, you may want winter-ready features such as AWD (C, D, B codes).
Don’t Forget Car Rental Excess Insurance
Once you’ve picked the ideal car for your trip, protect yourself from unexpected costs with a car rental excess insurance policy from Cover4Rentals.
If you’re charged for damage, we’ll reimburse you, subject to a successful claim. Buy your policy before collecting the car to guarantee coverage.
Final Thoughts
Equipped with knowledge of car rental classification systems and ACRISS codes, you’re better able to decide on a car that will fit your needs – whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an oversized car for a family road trip. The way the matrix is referred to and signposted varies, so always double-check vehicle details ahead of booking to ensure your expectations meet reality.
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