posted on August 3, 2026
While summer might be coming to an end, parking lots across the country are coming alive to celebrate the start of college football and the NFL season. Tailgating is an iconic American tradition, with pre-game festivities taking place in stadium parking lots across the US.
Whether you’re traveling to sprawling green spaces of The Grove at Ole Miss or gearing up to see the Kansas City Chiefs play at Arrowhead Stadium, planning ahead is key to getting the most out of your pre-game celebrations.
Ready to take part in a tailgate celebration? Chances are you’re wondering what the best cars for tailgating are. From cargo space to weather protection, we’ve sorted through the top trucks, SUVs, and minivans to help you find the right wheels for your next tailgating experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- At a glance: How to select the right tailgating vehicle
- What makes a good tailgating vehicle?
- Best pickup truck for tailgating
- Best SUV for tailgating
- Best minivan for tailgating
- Tailgating accessories to bring
- Frequently asked questions
At a glance: How to select the right tailgating vehicle
Here’s a quick reference guide to help you narrow down your options.
| Vehicle | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Ridgeline | Truck | You want gear secured and dry no matter the weather: the lockable in-bed trunk doubles as a giant cooler with its built-in drain plug, and the dual-action tailgate swings open two ways for easier loading. |
| Ford F-150 | Truck | You’re running a full setup (grill, TV, speakers) and need real onboard power to run it all. Available Pro Power Onboard systems (trim-dependent) turn the bed into a power source, plus the segment’s largest bed capacity. |
| Toyota 4Runner | SUV | You want your gear out of the elements: the enclosed cargo area keeps everything dry and out of sight for cold or wet game days. |
| Honda Odyssey | Minivan | You’re hauling a large amount of gear and traveling with multiple passengers: flat-folding seats and sliding doors make it easy to load and unload in a crowded parking lot. |
What makes a good tailgating vehicle?
The best tailgating vehicles share the same features: onboard power for speakers and small appliances, built-in or easily connected audio systems, weatherproof storage to keep gear dry and secure, and multi-function tailgates or cargo areas that double as extra seating or workspace.
With the right vehicle, you can easily cook, prepare drinks, and settle in for a couple of hours to soak up the pre-game atmosphere. Arguably, this is the best part of attending a football game! Here’s what to look for when comparing tailgating vehicles:
- Cargo space: Hauling grills, coolers, and folding chairs takes up a lot of space. Ideally, you need at least 30-40 cubic feet to fit the essentials, roughly the size of a mid-size SUV or small truck bed. Also, consider accessibility and look for vehicles with drop-down tailgates that are easy to sit on or use as a food prep area.
- Weather protection: Rain, wind, and harsh UV rays can turn a relaxing afternoon into an unpleasant experience. Look for tailgating vehicles with covered cargo areas or enclosed cabins to keep food dry, provide shelter, and keep your electronics safe (especially if the weather decides to deliver an expected shower or storm).
- Power access: The best tailgating setups include sound systems, fans, electric coolers, and portable grills, all of which need electricity to run. Look for vehicles that offer USB ports or a power inverter to turn your trunk into a functional outdoor cooking and hosting hub.
- Seating space: Many stadium parking lots open up to four hours before kickoff. If you’re traveling with a large crew, look for vehicles that include comfortable seating options as well as enough cargo space to bring folding chairs.
Best pickup truck for tailgating
Pickup trucks are generally considered the best vehicle type for tailgating. It makes sense: with an open bed, you have built-in seating and a massive cargo area ready for grilling food and serving drinks. Plus, pickup trucks make cleanup a breeze. Simply throw bags of ice, trash, or muddy gear into the bed without worrying about dirtying the vehicle’s interior.
Honda Ridgeline
For tailgating, the Honda Ridgeline is one of the most versatile and practical options. Not only can you open the tailgate in two directions for easy access, but the in-bed trunk can quickly convert into an epic 7.3 cubic foot cooler, ready to be loaded with ice and beverages. Just make sure to bring a designated driver.
- Best for: Renters who want gear secured and dry no matter what game day throws at them.
- Standout features: Lockable, weatherproof in-bed trunk with a drain plug doubles as a giant cooler when filled with ice; dual-action tailgate swings down or sideways for easier loading.
Ford F-150
If power is a big priority, look no further than the Ford F-150. This rugged pickup truck comes with heavy-duty onboard power, meaning you don’t need to haul around a separate fuel-powered generator.
- Best for: Renters running a full setup (grill, TV, and speakers) who need real bed space and power to run it.
- Standout features: Segment-benchmark bed capacity; available Pro Power Onboard system (trim-dependent, up to 7.2kW) turns the bed into a power source for speakers, a TV, or a portable grill.
Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500
Massive cargo beds? Multi-functional tailgates? Durable design? Tick, tick, tick! Both the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 are some of the best tailgating vehicles in the pickup truck category.
- Best for: Renters who want a full-size truck with extra loading flexibility, not just raw bed space.
- Standout features: Silverado’s available Multi-Flex tailgate folds into a step and worksurface, in addition to a traditional drop-down. Ram’s available Multifunction tailgate splits 60/40 and swings open barn-door style for easier side access to the bed. Both offer strong towing capacity for hauling extra gear.
Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra
Toyota offers two pickup trucks that are well suited to tailgating. If you’re tight on space, the Tacoma’s nimble footprint is ideal for squeezing into smaller lots. If you’re tailgating with a large crew, opt for the Tundra (the towing capacity and cabin room are impressive).
- Best for: Renters who want a smaller, easier-to-park footprint (Tacoma) or full-size bed space (Tundra) without sacrificing reliability.
- Standout features: The Tundra’s bed-mounted power outlet transforms the truck into a mobile generator, while the Tacoma’s flexible Deck Rail System makes it easy to secure heavy coolers, tents, and other gear.
Best SUV for tailgating
Tailgating is an outdoor experience, and Mother Nature doesn’t always play ball. That’s why opting for an SUV is a smart move: it’s easy to keep food and supplies dry with storage that’s sheltered from the elements. Plus, many models include fold-flat seating, making it easy to fit coolers, chairs, and cargo.
Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL
For massive cargo space and a rear hatch that offers handy shade and rain protection, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL are ideal tailgating SUVs.
- Best for: Large groups needing to haul a full tailgate setup plus passengers in one trip.
- Standout features: Among the largest cargo volumes in the full-size SUV class. The GMC Yukon XL offers up to 144.7 cu ft of space (with rear seats folded), while the Chevrolet Tahoe offers 122.7 cu ft.
Toyota 4Runner
Looking for a rugged SUV that can handle plenty of cargo and crew? The Toyota 4Runner is ideal for all weather conditions and large tailgating parties.
- Best for: Renters who want gear kept dry and out of sight for cold or wet game days.
- Standout feature: Fully enclosed cargo area protects gear from weather better than an open truck bed, and a large overhead canopy creates a wide roof to keep you dry or shielded from the sun.
Honda Passport
From all-wheel drive capabilities to smart underfloor storage, the Honda Passport is an SUV made for tailgating events.
- Best for: Renters who want an easier, faster loading and unloading process.
- Standout features: Wide tailgate opening and a flattened cargo floor make it easy to load coolers, grills, tents and folding chairs. Plus, the hands-free power liftgate is ideal for packing up when your hands are full.
Best minivan for tailgating
While it might seem a less obvious choice, minivans make surprisingly good tailgating vehicles. With plenty of weather-protected cargo space and a handy sliding door for easy access (even in tight lots), minivans are easy to load and offer plenty of room for coolers, chairs, grills, and large canopies.
Honda Odyssey
An unexpected tailgating vehicle, the Honda Odyssey is a family favorite with ample room for all your game day gear.
- Best for: Renters prioritizing cargo capacity over a truck- or SUV-sized footprint.
- Standout features: The third-row “Magic Seat” can flip completely backward, making it the perfect outward-facing couch for tailgating.
Toyota Sienna
With a low loading floor, comfortable multi-row interior layout, and a 1500W power outlet, the Toyota Sienna is another surprisingly capable tailgating minivan.
- Best for: Groups who want to reconfigure the interior between the drive there and game-day setup.
- Standout features: Removable/foldable seating means the third row can be folded flat to offer a wide, cavernous space for all your gear.
Kia Carnival
Whether you’re bringing multiple speakers, traveling with a large group, or need ample cargo space, the Kia Carnival delivers. The abundance of cup holders is a crowd pleaser for the drive to the stadium, too.
- Best for: Renters who want minivan-level cargo space without the traditional minivan look.
- Standout features: More SUV-like styling combined with up to roughly 90 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded.
Tailgating accessories to bring
Once you’ve secured the right tailgating vehicle, it’s time to plan ahead and gather all the gear you need for a comfortable tailgating experience.
| Category | What to bring |
| Cooking and food prep | Portable BBQ grill (gas or charcoal) with long-handled tongs; heavy-duty foil; cooler or mini fridge for drinks; frozen water bottles (double as ice packs and safe drinking water once melted); pre-chopped veggies and pre-seasoned skewers |
| Comfort and shelter | Folding chairs and a folding table; pop-up canopy or tailgate tent for shade or rain cover; sunscreen and bug spray; a blanket or seat cushions for sitting on the tailgate itself |
| Entertainment | Portable speaker or vehicle audio system; cornhole or other yard games; team flags, banners, or decals; a portable TV or streaming device for pre-game coverage |
| Cleanup and essentials | Trash bags and a small bin to keep the space tidy; paper towels and hand sanitizer; a basic first aid kit |
Frequently asked questions about the best cars for tailgating
What is the best vehicle for tailgating?
The best tailgating vehicle depends on the setup. Pickup trucks are the classic choice thanks to the tailgate and open bed, SUVs offer a good balance of cargo space and weather protection, and minivans are an underrated option for groups needing to haul more people and gear.
Do I need a truck to tailgate?
While trucks offer the most flexibility with an open bed, SUVs and even sedans with solid trunk space can handle a smaller-scale tailgate setup comfortably.
Can I rent a truck for tailgating?
Yes, renting a truck for game day is a practical option for tailgaters who don’t own one, with a range of trucks available by size and features. Browse Turo for trucks, SUVs, minivans, and more available to rent near the stadium you’re visiting.
What features should I look for in a tailgating vehicle?
Cargo space and easy loading access, weather protection, power outlets for electronics, and enough seating or lounging space for the pre-game hangout are the key features to prioritize.
What accessories make the best tailgate setup?
A portable grill, a cooler or mini fridge, folding chairs and a table, and a portable speaker are among the most popular additions to a solid tailgate setup.
Rent the perfect tailgating vehicle on Turo
No two tailgating experiences look the same, and the right vehicle depends entirely on the scale of your setup. A quick pre-game hangout with a couple of friends calls for something different than a full crew rolling in with a grill, a cooler, chairs, and a canopy.
Hosting a full crew for a season opener? Rent a truck with a multi-function tailgate and real bed space. Running solo or with a smaller group? A compact SUV keeps things simple without paying for space you won’t use. With Turo, you can browse a range of trucks, SUVs, and minivans available near your stadium and pick whatever fits that week’s game day plans.
Skip the hassle of committing to a single setup all season. Browse trucks for rent near your stadium and find the right ride for your next tailgate.
Share your car, earn extra cash
Cover your car payments or earn some extra cash by sharing your car whenever you’re not using it.
Get startedHit the road
Browse thousands of cars for every occasion and budget near you, or wherever you’re going.
Browse cars
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda Starr is a travel and automotive writer with 5+ years of firsthand experience road-tripping across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. She writes road trip guides for Turo, drawing on her experience behind the wheel to share practical insights on long-distance drives, destinations, and vehicles. Her travels have taken her across Australia’s East Coast, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, and both islands of New Zealand. One of her most memorable journeys was an 11-day, 2,600+ km route from Auckland to Punakaiki and Queenstown. Lucinda has a particular passion for classic, rugged 4WD vehicles and the freedom they bring to exploring new places.
