Tailgating isn’t just about the food on the grill or the big game, it’s about creating memories with friends and family. Whether you’re gearing up for football season, heading to a concert, or setting up a parking lot party, the right vehicle can make or break your tailgating experience. At Ontario Auto Center, we know our Southern California drivers want more than just a ride. They want a vehicle that can haul gear, keep everyone comfortable, and deliver fun features that bring energy to the party.
So, which vehicles check all the boxes? Let’s explore the best SUVs, trucks, and vans for tailgating, plus the features you’ll want to look for before your next big event.
Before diving into specific models, let’s talk about why your vehicle choice matters so much for tailgating:
With the right ride, your vehicle becomes more than just transportation, it becomes the hub of your tailgating experience.
SUVs are the MVPs of tailgating. They combine roomy interiors with smart tech, making them ideal for groups who want comfort and flexibility.
The Honda Pilot offers reliability, roomy third-row seating, and ample hidden storage for snacks and gear. Families love its CabinTalk® in-car PA system, making it easy to rally everyone when it’s time to head to the stadium gates.
The Volkswagen Atlas is a fantastic tailgating vehicle because it offers spacious seating for up to seven passengers and a generous cargo area, perfect for hauling coolers, chairs, and game-day gear. Its fold-flat rear seats make it easy to create a lounge-style setup, while available features like three-zone climate control, premium audio, and advanced infotainment keep everyone comfortable and entertained. With the Atlas, you get a versatile, family-friendly SUV that makes tailgating both convenient and enjoyable.
The Subaru Outback is a fantastic tailgating option for drivers who want versatility, comfort, and adventure-ready capability. Its spacious cargo area and fold-flat rear seats provide plenty of room for coolers, chairs, and tailgating gear, while the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ensures you can reach even tricky parking spots with ease. Features like a hands-free power liftgate, premium audio system, and comfortable seating make setup and downtime before the game effortless and enjoyable. With the Outback, tailgating is both practical and fun, whether you’re at a stadium lot or a more rugged outdoor venue.
The Lexus GX is an excellent choice for tailgating, offering a perfect balance of luxury, space, and off-road capability. With seating for up to seven passengers and split-folding rear seats, it provides ample room for friends, family, and all your tailgating gear. Its robust 4WD system and high ground clearance make it easy to reach even the most challenging parking spots, while the V8 engine delivers the power you need to haul coolers, grills, and other essentials. Inside, premium materials, advanced infotainment, and climate-controlled seats ensure that your tailgate is as comfortable as it is stylish.
The Volvo XC90 is a top-tier choice for tailgating, offering a luxurious blend of space, comfort, and practicality. With seating for up to seven passengers and up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third rows are folded, it easily accommodates coolers, grills, and all your tailgating gear. Its power liftgate makes loading and unloading effortless, while premium audio options from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins ensure your playlist sounds incredible. Add in Volvo’s advanced safety features and driver assistance systems, and the XC90 provides a secure, stylish, and enjoyable tailgating experience.
The Hyundai Palisade is a fantastic choice for tailgating, offering a perfect mix of space, comfort, and convenience. It has seating for up to eight passengers and generous cargo space, that expands further by folding the rear seats. The Palisade easily accommodates coolers, chairs, and all your tailgating gear. Features like a power liftgate, advanced infotainment system, and premium audio options make setup and entertainment effortless, while heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof ensure everyone stays comfortable before the game. With the Palisade, tailgating becomes a seamless and enjoyable experience for family and friends alike.
SUVs are great if you need passenger space and cargo flexibility. Fold down the seats, and you’ve got room for tents, grills, and more. Keep them up, and you can comfortably shuttle friends or family to the event.
If tailgating had a mascot, it would be the pickup truck. Trucks bring rugged durability, massive cargo space, and bed versatility that’s hard to beat.
The RAM 1500 combines strength with comfort. Inside, you’ll find a luxurious cabin with Uconnect® infotainment and an available 19-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system that turns your parking spot into a concert. Outside, the RamBox® Cargo Management System provides lockable, drainable storage that’s ideal for drinks or gear.
The Tundra brings legendary Toyota reliability and plenty of modern touches. With its composite bed and tie-down system, you can easily secure grills and coolers. Add in available power outlets and you’ve got a mobile entertainment zone.
The Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is another excellent choice for tailgating, especially if you love adventure as much as the game. Its rugged build and off-road capability mean you can set up almost anywhere, while the truck bed offers plenty of room for coolers, grills, and gear. With features like an available Utili-Track® Channel System for easy cargo organization and a rock-solid V6 engine, the Frontier PRO-4X brings both power and practicality to your tailgate party.
The Honda Ridgeline is a standout tailgating vehicle because it combines the utility of a truck with the comfort of an SUV. Its in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate provide secure, versatile storage for coolers, grills, and tailgating gear, while the smooth ride and roomy cabin make it comfortable for passengers to hang out before the game. Plus, features like built-in audio system in the truck bed and multiple power outlets let you stream music, charge devices, and keep the party going without a hitch.
Trucks offer unmatched versatility. The open bed becomes the centerpiece of your party, whether you’re setting up speakers, coolers, or food. They have so many modern tailgate innovations like multi-function tailgates, built-in storage trucks, and are more practical than ever for tailgating.
You might not think of minivans as tailgating vehicles, but don’t underestimate them. With spacious interiors, comfort-driven features, and clever storage, they make tailgating surprisingly easy.
The Pacifica shines with its Stow ’n Go® seating, which lets you fold seats completely into the floor for a flat cargo area. It also offers an available Uconnect® Theater system with dual screens, so you can stream pre-game hype videos or cartoons for the kids.
The Odyssey is designed for family fun. Features like Magic Slide® seating and multiple USB ports keep everyone comfortable. The CabinWatch® feature lets parents keep an eye on younger passengers, even from the driver’s seat, while the available HondaVac® makes cleanup after the party quick and painless.
Sliding doors, fold-flat seats, and endless storage make minivans a practical choice. Plus, their focus on comfort means you’ll enjoy every minute before kickoff, not just the game itself.
When shopping for your next vehicle, here are some features that can make your tailgating experience even better:
These little extras can turn a good tailgate into a great one.
The “best” tailgating vehicle depends on your lifestyle:
At Ontario Auto Center, you can explore all these options in one convenient location. With more than 20 brands and dozens of dealerships, it’s easy to compare vehicles side by side and find the one that fits your needs.
Tailgating should be fun, stress-free, and full of good memories. The right vehicle helps make that possible. Whether you’re drawn to the versatility of SUVs, the ruggedness of pickup trucks, or the surprising practicality of minivans, Ontario Auto Center has the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Stop by today to test drive your next tailgating ride. With our wide selection, competitive pricing, and expert staff, you’ll be ready to hit the parking lot in style and comfort—all season long.
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