The 10 Best Vehicles For Tailgating

June 7, 2022

Sports fans take their tailgating seriously, and they need a car that can keep up. No one wants to ruin the party by showing up in a junker. The right tailgating vehicle should have a real tailgate for sitting, but it is no big deal if it does not. Other useful features include an excellent sound system, a roomy cabin for relaxing, and plenty of storage room for a grill, folding chairs and tables, and coolers. Here are the ten best 2017 models to get the job done.

2017 Ford Flex

Space is the most useful component of the 2017 Ford Flex. It seats up to seven people comfortably. Folding down the third-row bench doubles up the already ample amount of space for additional room. Standard models come with a twelve-volt outlet in the rear cargo storage area. An additional 110-volt inverter is optional. Opt for the optional second-row refrigerated console to hold up to seven cans of cold beer if tailgating is life.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

It might not seem cool to go tailgating in a minivan, but the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has it all, including lots of room for storage. Folding down the third row of seats adds an extra 47.5 cubic feet of space to the vehicle. Base models come with a standard six-speaker sound system, but upgrading to the thirteen-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is recommended. Other optional features include hands-free power sliding doors and liftgate as well as a built-in vacuum.

2017 Subaru Forester

Although it is not feasible to bring the entire kitchen to a tailgate party, the 2017 Subaru Forester is the next best thing. It has room for up to five passengers and thirty-four cubic feet of storage even with the rear seat intact. This provides space for folding lawn chairs and a table, a cooler and a small grill. Folding down the rear seat opens up seventy-four cubic feet of space. Optional upgrades include a 110 power outlet and a 440 watt Harman Kardon audio sound system with eight speakers.

2017 Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep automotive brand might be known for its off-road abilities, but it also makes a heck of a tailgating vehicle. It has comfortable features and lots of carrying capabilities due to its Jeep Cargo Management System located in the SUV’s rear storage area. Look into upgraded features such as a collapsible cooler, an easy-clean liner, and a pet kennel for man’s best friend. Optional features include an Alpine premium sound system, which includes a 506-watt amplifier and nine speakers, as well as a rear power outlet.

2017 Bentley Bentayga

The 2017 Bentley Bentayga is the perfect station wagon for tailgating for those who can afford its price tag of around $200,000. Bentley’s first SUV features a 1,950-watt audio sound system complete with twenty speakers and standard Wi-Fi for streaming the best music. It also has an optional slide-out leather 'event seat' and a hamper system that includes three removable boxes. One of which is stocked with fine china and crystal. The second contains a powered cooler, and the third has a cashmere picnic rug.

2017 Honda Odyssey

The 2017 Honda Accord Odyssey is the perfect vehicle to load up to eight tailgaters and head to the game. There are approximately 38.4 cubic feet of room inside, even with the third row intact. The center console is removable for extra space. Keeping it intact provides a powered cool box and a pop-up trash bin to help clean up at the end of the day. Upgrading to the EX trim levels provides a power tailgate and sliding doors, an optional rear entertainment system, and a built-in vacuum.

2017 Ford F-150

The 2017 Ford F-150 is the perfect tailgating vehicle as it is one of the few that actually comes with a tailgate. It also has plenty of space in the back for hauling supplies. Upgrading to the SuberCab or SuperCrew models will add enough room for six passengers. Other optional features include a Sony 700 watt audio system with a CD player and ten speakers, a subwoofer, smartphone integration and a 400-watt inverter with 110 volts for powering up appliances.

2017 Honda Ridgeline

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline comfortably holds five people and their supplies for the perfect tailgate party. Optional upgrades include a 540-watt premium sound system with eight speakers to crank out the tunes. It has six stereo speakers located in the back cargo area and an optional 110-volt power inverter for powering up electronics. The Ridgeline’s most impressive feature is a 7.3 cubic foot cooler with a drain located under the truck’s bed.

2017 Toyota 4Runner

The 2017 Toyota 4Runner can get any group of tailgaters to their destination no matter how rugged the terrain. Upgrading to the 4Runner with a 440-pound capacity rear sliding cargo deck is a smart way to utilize as much of the vehicle as possible. Standard models come with a twelve-volt power outlet and a 120-volt outlet located in the cargo area for powering radios, televisions, or other smaller electronics. The 4Runner Limited Trim provides a sound system with fifteen speakers and an Entune App Suite for easy access to mobile apps.

2017 Ram 1500

The 2017 Ram 1500 can be upgraded to a CrewCab or a QuadCab to make room for six passengers and their supplies. If more storage room is needed, try adding bins under the rear floor of the vehicle for more space (or an annoying tailgater who gets out of control). Optional features include a cargo management system with lockable store compartments complete with drains that would make the perfect cooler and a nine-speaker premium sound system with subwoofer.

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