Quick Summary:
- Read ACRISS codes left to right for size, doors, transmission, features.
- ICAR usually means intermediate size, automatic transmission, with air conditioning included.
- SFAR signals a standard SUV, automatic transmission, with air conditioning included.
- Compare the code, not the model name, to avoid booking surprises.
If you have ever browsed car hire options in United Estates and seen codes like ICAR, CDMR, or SFAR, you have run into the ACRISS vehicle classification system. These short codes are used across many rental fleets to describe the category you are paying for. They help set expectations about the car’s size, door count, transmission type, and certain features.
The key point is that you are typically hiring a category, not a specific make and model. Two listings might say “Toyota Corolla or similar”, but the ACRISS code is what tells you whether that “similar” could be a bigger class, a different transmission, or an SUV instead of a saloon. If you are comparing options through Hola Car Rentals for the United Estates, it helps to understand the code so you can choose the category that fits your luggage, passengers, and driving preference. See the main overview for car hire in the United States for typical categories and supplier availability.
What is an ACRISS code and why does it matter?
ACRISS is a four character code. Each character stands for a different attribute of the vehicle category:
1st character: vehicle size category (mini, economy, compact, intermediate, standard, fullsize, premium, luxury, and various special types).
2nd character: door and body style (2 doors, 4 doors, estate, SUV, convertible, and more).
3rd character: transmission and drive (manual or automatic, sometimes 4WD).
4th character: fuel type and key features (air conditioning, unspecified fuel, hybrid, electric, and similar).
This matters because two cars that look similar in photos can have different codes. For example, a compact automatic with air conditioning differs from a compact manual with limited features, and the code shows that immediately. It also lets you compare like for like across suppliers such as Avis car rental in the United States or other brands on the same route.
How to decode the four characters, with plain English meanings
ACRISS uses many letters, but you do not need to memorise them all. You only need enough to interpret the common patterns you will see in United Estates listings.
First character, size: You will often see M (mini), E (economy), C (compact), I (intermediate), S (standard), F (fullsize), P (premium), L (luxury). When an SUV category is shown, the first character often still indicates the overall size tier, but the second character is what marks it as an SUV.
Second character, doors and style: Common ones include B (2 door), D (4 door), W (estate/wagon), V (passenger van), and F (SUV). This is why SFAR and IFAR are clearly SUVs, the F in the second position flags the body style.
Third character, transmission and drive: M usually means manual, A means automatic. In some cases you may see codes that imply 4WD or an unspecified transmission, but automatic is the most common for mainstream car hire in United Estates.
Fourth character, fuel and features: This is frequently R (unspecified fuel and air conditioning), or sometimes N (unspecified fuel, no air conditioning) in markets where that distinction is still used. Many fleets in United Estates include air conditioning as standard, but the code is still used for consistency.
What does ICAR mean?
ICAR is a very common code and a good example of how the system works:
I: Intermediate size. This often sits between compact and standard, suitable for two adults plus luggage, or a small family with modest bags.
A: Automatic transmission.
R: Typically indicates air conditioning with unspecified fuel policy in the code system.
In practical terms, ICAR is usually interpreted on booking screens as “Intermediate, Automatic, Air conditioning”. In United Estates, that often maps to a mid size saloon. If you are deciding between intermediate and standard, check your luggage volume and rear seat space needs, especially for longer road trips.
What does SFAR mean?
SFAR tends to be clearer:
S: Standard size tier.
F: SUV body type.
A: Automatic transmission.
R: Commonly air conditioning, with fuel unspecified in the code.
So SFAR generally means a standard SUV automatic with air conditioning. In United Estates, this often aligns with popular mid size SUVs that give extra boot height and a more upright seating position. If you are comparing SUV tiers, you can also browse the dedicated overview for SUV hire in the United States to understand what usually sits in standard versus fullsize SUV groups.
Common codes you may see when choosing car hire in United Estates
Below are some typical patterns and what they usually imply. The exact model can vary by supplier and location, but the code is a dependable guide to the main characteristics.
ECAR: Economy, automatic, air conditioning. Often a small hatchback or compact saloon style.
CDAR: Compact, 4 door, automatic, air conditioning. A common balance of cost and practicality.
IDAR: Intermediate, 4 door, automatic, air conditioning. Often more rear legroom than compact.
SDAR: Standard, 4 door, automatic, air conditioning. Better for longer drives and larger luggage.
FDAR: Fullsize, 4 door, automatic, air conditioning. Useful when you want more cabin width.
IFAR or SFAR: Intermediate or standard SUV, automatic, air conditioning. Great for high seating and flexible loading.
FVAR: Fullsize passenger van, automatic, air conditioning. Ideal for group travel, but confirm seating capacity.
If you are travelling as a larger party, it is often clearer to start with a people carrier category rather than guessing from a vague “large car” description. The minivan page for minivan rental in the United States can help you compare typical passenger focused categories.
What the code does not guarantee
ACRISS codes are helpful, but they are not a promise of a specific vehicle. Keep these limits in mind when you pick a car hire category:
Model and trim: The code does not guarantee brand, engine power, infotainment, or trim level.
Exact luggage capacity: Size tiers are broad. Two “intermediate” cars can have very different boot shapes.
Safety and driver aids: Features like adaptive cruise control are not represented by the code.
All wheel drive: SUV body type does not always mean AWD. If you need AWD for weather or terrain, look for explicit mention in the listing terms, not just an SUV code.
Fuel policy and mileage terms: The fourth character can indicate fuel type in some coding schemes, but it does not replace the supplier’s fuel policy text on the booking page.
Because suppliers and locations vary, the safest approach is to treat the ACRISS code as a fast filter, then confirm passenger count, suitcase guidance, and any must have items in the product details. This is particularly useful when comparing different suppliers, including value focused brands like Payless car rental in the United States.
FAQ
Do all car hire companies in United Estates use ACRISS codes? Many major suppliers use ACRISS or ACRISS style codes, but how prominently they display them varies. If the code is shown, it is usually the best quick way to compare categories.
If I book ICAR, will I definitely get the exact car in the photo? No. You are usually reserving a category. The photo is a representative model, and the supplier can provide a similar vehicle that matches the code and category rules.
Is SFAR always a four wheel drive SUV? Not always. SFAR indicates an SUV class with automatic transmission and typical features, but it does not guarantee AWD. Check the vehicle description for drivetrain details if it matters.
What is the fastest way to avoid a manual transmission by mistake? Look for the third character. A means automatic, M means manual. Also confirm the written transmission line on the listing in case the code is not displayed.
