Sure, cooler temperatures and falling leaves signal the return of autumn. But for many, fall officially begins when toe meets rubber to kick off another season of football.
The excitement of football season goes far beyond what takes place between the white lines. Traveling to root on your favorite team and gathering with friends at weekly tailgates are fall traditions that many of us look forward to each year.
Whether you follow collegiate or professional football, and no matter which bitter rivalries you’re a part of, gamedays are a staple, so much so that the first Saturday of September is recognized as National Tailgating Day.
If you’ve hosted a tailgate, you know that it’s no easy task. From navigating traffic patterns to stocking everyone’s favorite snacks, there’s a lot to think about. Yet, what can really make or break a tailgate is the vehicle you bring with you. From storage to technology and much more, today’s vehicles are packed with features that can take your setup to the next level.
We’ve compiled some of our favorite vehicle features that are sure to rock the lot and set you up for victory this season.
Plenty of Space
Tables, coolers, chairs, grills, serving trays, and more – the list of tailgate essentials adds up fast. All these items take up considerable amounts of space, and before long, your vehicle transforms into a storage unit on wheels.
Passengers are another piece of the logistical puzzle, so don’t forget to account for your game-day crew.
This is where vehicles with the proper mix of seating and storage prove their worth. Trucks are often appreciated for their ability to separate cargo and passengers. Meanwhile, with over 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind three rows of seating, full-size SUVs like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade ESV have enough room for everyone and everything you need.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer LDon’t overlook minivans like the Toyota Sienna or Kia Carnival either. Their generous storage space and adjustable seating arrangements make them excellent tailgate machines.
Multi-Function Tailgates and Trunks
These days, truck beds are capable of much more than storing cargo. Innovative tailgate designs, such as the GMC MultiPro Tailgate and Chevrolet Multi-Flex tailgate, have transformed them into versatile tools that add function and flexibility to your football tailgate. Thanks to a smaller inner gate within the primary gate, these truck tailgates have six possible configurations that make loading and unloading easier, create a step for entry and exit, and provide multiple surfaces for food and drinks.
Chevrolet Multi-Flex TailgateIt's not just trucks offering these smart tailgate solutions. Split rear hatches, like those found on the BMW X5 and X7, prevent gear from spilling out and double as a seat or table surface when lowered.
Other SUVs, such as the Toyota 4Runner, offer similar functionality with a power rear window that lowers completely for easy trunk access or fresh air during game-day traffic. The INEOS Grenadier takes it a step further with custom accessories like the Foldable Tailgate Camp Table, which folds down in seconds to create a ready-made surface.
INEOS Grenadier Tailgate TableClimate-Controlled Storage
Everyone knows that no tailgate is complete without cold drinks. You can always ice down and load up the faithful Igloo or YETI, but did you know that certain vehicles can keep drinks cool? That’s right, SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer feature fridges built into the front console, while the Lexus GX and LX, Toyota Sienna, and other models offer similar cool boxes. Just keep in mind that size and temperature level vary by vehicle.
Lexus Cool BoxIf you’re looking to add an extra cooler to the lineup or want to skip hauling one altogether, you can also do that. Ram trucks with the RamBox® Cargo Management System, the Honda Ridgeline’s In-Bed Trunk, and even the Chevy Silverado EV’s front trunk (frunk) come with drainable compartments that can serve as full-size coolers in addition to storage.
Honda Ridgeline In-Bed TrunkWhatever you’re sipping on this season, your vehicle can keep the drinks cold, everyone hydrated, and the good times rolling.
On-Board Power
For some tailgaters, the ability to power TVs, speakers, and other small electronics is a must. If you don’t have a power hookup available, you’re likely forced to rely on a generator, which can be bulky, noisy, and emit unpleasant exhaust.
However, with certain vehicles, you can leave the generator at home. EVs excel in this area with bidirectional charging capabilities that pull from their stored electricity to provide power. Gas-powered vehicles aren’t far behind either. Most newer cars, trucks, and SUVs feature household-style outlets with enough wattage to power small devices, often found in the bed or trunk for easy access.
It's important to note that using your vehicle as a power source draws from its battery system. Therefore, it’s wise to monitor your usage and avoid running too many devices for too long.
Connectivity & Entertainment
Now that your TV is up and running, it’s time to make sure you have something to watch. Forms of entertainment vary from tailgate to tailgate, but staying connected keeps the fun going. Planning to stream the entire day’s games? You’ll need a stable internet connection. Fortunately, more and more vehicles come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, helping you keep the stream running while dodging the spotty cell service that’s all too common around stadiums.
Manufacturers like Cadillac, Lexus, and Honda are known for their large and easy-to-use rear-seat entertainment systems. So, passengers can catch every second of their favorite pregame show on the way to the lot. Once you arrive, vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, along with the Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner, come with a portable Bluetooth speaker. The speaker stays charged and ready. All you have to do is pop it out, press play, and let your game-day playlist take over.
Get in the Game with Hendrick
A new season is upon us, and so is your opportunity to elevate your tailgate experience! Shop from over 30,000 new and pre-owned vehicles in our nationwide inventory at HendrickCars.com and score big with limited-time offers, including $0 down payments, low interest rates, and no payments until 2026!
Already have your MVP ride? Visit a Hendrick Service Center near you and ask for the Road Ready maintenance package. This complimentary package includes essential system checks and a multi-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is set for the season.
Game days are better when you know your vehicle is ready to perform. On the road or at the tailgate, wherever the season takes you, we’ll make sure you arrive with confidence and style!
AdChoices