When a slight chill first permeates through the air in the fall season, for millions of Americans it means one thing: Football season. Across the country, people devote time, effort, and a larger-than-average snack budget every Sunday to hang out and watch their favorite team face off against another. But sitting at home or at the bar is only so fun for some—why not bring the party to the big game?
Whether you’re inclined to pull up and party down at a local high school game, college game, or an NFL game, football fans across the country will fill their cars with barbecue grilles, coolers, folding chairs, pop-up tents, and cornhole sets, to recreate a backyard party in the parking lot of the local football stadium. We’re talking about the quest to put on one heck of a tailgate party.
When it comes to a great tailgate, the automotive aspect is almost as important as the hot dogs and burgers. You don’t necessarily need a crew-cab pickup truck, but the best tailgate vehicles need to provide plenty of cargo space, they should keep electronic appliances powered and charged, and most importantly, there should never be any question about their ability to make it to the stadium.
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The Best Tailgating Vehicles of 2026
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1. Honda Ridgeline
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Comfortable |
Limiting towing capacity for a midsize pickup |
| Great handling |
Outdated technology |
| Standard all-wheel drive |
|
The Honda Ridgeline shook up the pickup-truck marketplace when it made its debut in the 2006 model year, but it solidified itself as one of our favorite—albeit quirky—pickups after it staged a comeback in the 2017 model year. With a unibody architecture similar to the Honda Pilot’s, the Ridgeline is supremely comfortable, considering its hauling capabilities.
Payload capacity measures a respectable 1,583 pounds in Sport trim and the bed is large enough to carry all your tailgating equipment. A versatile, dual-direction multifunction tailgate makes accessing all that stuff easy, too. It can be lowered like a regular truck’s tailgate, or it can swing out like a car door—think of it like the truck version of the first-generation Honda CR-V. You don’t need to rely on the car’s regular sound system, either; Honda sells the Ridgeline with available in-bed stereo speakers. And, once the tailgate is out of the way, you can easily access the Ridgeline’s under-floor storage compartment. This handy bin is watertight until you pull the drain plug, meaning it’s ideal for use as a cooler, keeping drinks and other items nice and cold.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It doesn’t offer the towing capacity or off-road capability of more traditional trucks, but the Ridgeline is much easier to live with." -Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Honda Ridgeline review
2. Ford Expedition
CarGurus expert rating: 7.5 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Powerful engines |
Thirsty engines |
| Impressive technology |
Tech requires additional subscription |
For tailgating, the 2025 Ford Expedition leans into the basics that matter: big-SUV room for friends, coolers, and folding chairs, plus the kind of easy highway power that makes it less stressful to merge and cruise when you’re loaded up for game day. It’s now in its fifth generation, and for 2025 Ford updates the tech and adds a more off-road-oriented Tremor trim—useful if your “parking lot” is a grassy field, a muddy overflow area, or a rutted path to a campsite after the final whistle.
Tech is a major part of the Expedition’s appeal for tailgaters, from keeping everyone connected to making it simpler to manage a busy cabin on the way to the stadium. Just keep in mind that some features may require a subscription, which can affect long-term value if you’re counting on built-in services for navigation, connectivity, or remote features over the years.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Now in its fifth generation, the 2025 Ford Expedition upgrades its tech and adds an off-road-focused Tremor trim level." - Matt Smith
Read our most recent 2025 Ford Expedition review
3. Land Rover Range Rover
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 35.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Multiple powertrain options |
Unintuitive technology |
| Stylish design |
Poor value for money |
| Standard all-wheel drive |
|
For tailgating, the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover brings the kind of comfort and curb appeal that makes the parking lot feel like a premium lounge. Its regal luxury vibe works well when you’re hosting friends before kickoff, and the stylish design helps it feel special even in a sea of big SUVs. With multiple powertrain options, shoppers can prioritize the experience they want—whether that’s relaxed cruising to the stadium or stronger passing power on the highway.
Tailgates don’t always happen on perfect pavement, and the Range Rover’s standard all-wheel drive is a real advantage when grass fields, muddy lots, or snow-slicked stadium roads are part of the plan. The tradeoff is day-to-day usability around the infotainment and controls: the tech can be unintuitive when you’re juggling food, drinks, and a crowded cabin, and the overall value equation isn’t great compared with less expensive luxury SUVs. Still, if your tailgating routine includes long drives, unpredictable conditions, and a preference for high-end comfort, the Range Rover fits that lifestyle well.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Range Rover combines regal luxury with go-anywhere capability like no other vehicle." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent 2025 Land Rover Range Rover review
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4. RAM 1500
CarGurus expert rating: 8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Multiple powertrain options |
Advanced safety features are not standard |
| Premium interior materials in high-end models |
No base two-door work truck |
| Luxurious and off-road-ready models offered |
|
For tailgating, the Ram 1500 plays to the strengths that make full-size pickups such popular game-day vehicles: lots of flexible space, a comfortable place to hang out between plays, and the ability to bring along bigger coolers, grills, and canopy gear without playing trunk-Tetris. For 2026, Ram leans into what many truck shoppers still want most by bringing the available Hemi V8 back to the lineup, giving fans of that classic V8 feel another reason to park a 1500 at the stadium lot.
The lineup’s mix of powertrains and its range of trims matters here, because tailgating isn’t one-size-fits-all: you can prioritize a more upscale cabin for longer drives and postgame traffic, or choose a more rugged, off-road-ready style if your “parking spot” is a grassy field. Just note that some advanced safety features may require stepping up in trim or options, and there isn’t a bare-bones two-door work-truck configuration—so if you’re shopping specifically for the simplest, cheapest tailgate-and-haul setup, you’ll be looking at crew-cab style models instead.
The CarGurus Verdict: "American pickup truck buyers love V8 engines. Ram gives its customers what they want for 2026, bringing the Hemi engine back to the Ram 1500 line." - Jeremy Korzeniewski
Read our most recent RAM 1500 review
5. Hyundai Ioniq 5
CarGurus expert rating: 8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.9 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 38.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Appealing styling |
Less cargo space than gasoline crossovers |
| Easy-to-use technology |
|
| Extra-fast charging |
|
For tailgating, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 works best for drivers who want an EV that’s easy to live with once you’ve arrived at the lot. The tech is straightforward, which matters when you’re juggling passengers, parking-lot traffic, and a pregame playlist, and the Ioniq 5’s styling gives it a fun, modern vibe that suits a weekend hangout.
It also brings extra-fast charging into the equation, a practical advantage when your game-day plan includes a last-minute top-off en route or a quick recharge between stops. The tradeoff is space: the Ioniq 5 has less cargo room than many gasoline crossovers, so it rewards shoppers who pack smart (or keep the tailgate setup streamlined) rather than those hauling the biggest coolers and folding tables every weekend.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Even five years into its run, the Ioniq 5 remains one of the best EVs around." - Kirk Bell
Read our most recent Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
6. Chrysler Pacifica
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 37.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stow 'n Go seating offers unmatched cargo flexibility |
New front-end styling is polarizing |
| Confidence-inspiring V6 power |
Real-world fuel economy trails EPA estimates |
| Good third-row legroom |
Tech feels outdated |
For tailgating, the Pacifica’s biggest advantage is how quickly it can switch roles from people-mover to gear-hauler. Chrysler’s Stow ’n Go seating is a real-world win when you’re loading coolers, folding chairs, a grill, and team flags—because you can create a big, flat cargo area without wrestling heavy seats out of the garage. And with genuinely usable third-row legroom, it’s easy to bring the whole crew to the game without turning the last row into a penalty box.
A light refresh gives the Pacifica a new face, but it doesn’t change the core experience: strong, confidence-inspiring V6 power for highway merges and postgame traffic, paired with a few drawbacks that matter on long drives to away games. Real-world fuel economy can come up short versus EPA numbers, and the tech interface can feel dated next to newer rivals—though for many tailgaters, the priority is still space, flexibility, and comfort over the latest screens.
The CarGurus Verdict: "A lackluster refresh gives the Chrysler Pacifica a new face, but the minivan’s strengths and weaknesses remain unchanged." - Matt Smith
Read our most recent Chrysler Pacifica review
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7. GMC Sierra 1500
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Multiple powertrain options |
Not all advanced safety features are standard |
| Easy-to-use technology |
Poor value for money |
| Fuel-efficient diesel engine |
|
For tailgating, the Sierra 1500’s mix of truck utility and upscale comfort matters as much as towing or payload numbers. GMC’s focus on luxury and tech translates into a nicer place to hang out before the game, with easy-to-use infotainment that’s helpful when you’re juggling music, navigation to the lot, and coordinating with friends. The available range of powertrains also lets shoppers choose a setup that fits their routine—whether that’s short hops across town or longer highway drives to away games.
If your tailgate days include lots of miles, the fuel-efficient diesel option can be a practical pick for stretching a tank between trips and errands. The trade-off is that you’ll want to pay close attention to trim and options: not all advanced safety features come standard, and the Sierra can be a poor value for money depending on how it’s equipped, especially if you’re shopping primarily for comfort and tech rather than heavy-duty capability.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The GMC Sierra 1500 keeps pace with rivals by doubling down on luxury and tech." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent GMC Sierra 1500 review
8. Jeep Grand Wagoneer L
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 42.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Powerful engine |
High price |
| Comfortable |
Turbo lag |
| Plenty of cargo space |
Dissatisfying tech user experience |
For tailgating, the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L leans into the basics that matter most: space, comfort, and easygoing luxury. With plenty of cargo room for coolers, folding chairs, and a big pregame spread, plus a comfortable cabin that makes long drives to the stadium less tiring, it’s built for bringing the whole crew and their gear along for the day.
This is a powerful, high-dollar SUV, and that impacts the tailgating experience in both good and not-so-good ways. You get strong performance for merging and passing when the postgame traffic finally breaks, but the driving experience can be hampered by turbo lag, and the tech interface may frustrate you when you’re trying to quickly queue music, manage navigation, or coordinate with friends rolling in from different lots.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2023 Grand Wagoneer L provides lots of luxury without shouting loudly about it." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Jeep Grand Wagoneer L review
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9. Volkswagen ID.Buzz
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 35.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Fab style |
Peculiar steering feel |
| Excellent passenger space |
Bouncy ride |
|
Pricey |
This electrified VW ID.Buzz may seem more fit for hauling surf boards and Patchouli in bulk, or some other stereotype behind the VW Bus’ lore, but it would actually accompany an ace tailgating party, too.
That’s because this rig is a cargo-hauling masterpiece. Thanks to the ID.Buzz’s three-row seating, it not only can haul a good number of fans to the stadium, but also, folding the third row unveils an epic amount of space that’d be easy to load and unload with a grille, coolers, frosty cold ones, and more. Cargo capacity exceeds 75 cubic feet, which is more than enough for most folks. Not only that, but the fact that its an enclosed long rectangle as opposed to a pickup truck makes securing one’s stuff a little easier, too. Plus, with its fresh new design, it could be the perfect conversation starter for those who are a little more extroverted.
The CarGurus Verdict: The ID.Buzz’s nostalgia is undeniable. During a day of test driving, we drew stares, questions, and plenty of photographs from onlookers. It's not perfect: the driving dynamics are a bit funny, and we expect its long-term sales success may be tempered by the dramatic styling, short electric driving range, and high price tag. But in the short term, we expect this Microbus reincarnation to be the talk of the town. -Matt Smith
Read our most recent Volkswagen ID.Buzz review
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10. Hyundai Ioniq 9
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Very energy efficient |
Polarizing design |
| Great interior space |
Unimpressive driving dynamics |
| Competitive price tag |
|
For tailgating, the Ioniq 9’s big advantage is simple: room. With three rows and seating for seven, it’s set up for hauling your crew plus the usual game-day load—coolers, folding chairs, and extra layers—without forcing everyone to pack light. Its cabin space also makes it easier to keep snacks and supplies within reach, and the boxy, futuristic look will be a love-it-or-hate-it detail in a crowded parking lot.
As an EV, the Ioniq 9 leans into practicality with more than 300 miles of range and a focus on energy efficiency, which can help reduce how often you need to top off during a weekend of errands and pregame stops. It also qualifies for the federal EV tax credit, improving value for eligible buyers, though you should expect driving dynamics that prioritize comfort and ease over excitement—fine for highway runs to the stadium, less rewarding if you’re hoping for sporty feel.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Hyundai’s three-row SUV offers seating for seven, over 300 miles of range, and qualifies for the federal EV tax credit." - Matt Smith
Read our most recent Hyundai Ioniq 9 review
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The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in September 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
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