It's officially football tailgate season! So what are the must-have tailgating features for 2025? Autotrader is sharing its picks.
Autotrader's 10 Must-Have Tailgating Features for 2025
1. Onboard Power:
If you need a power source to run appliances, like a blender, small fridge, or heater, several trucks offer Onboard Power. Ford offers the Pro Power Onboard system in some F-150 pickups, while Chevrolet has the PowerBase in the Silverado EV.
2. Truck Bed Audio
A great tailgating event needs great music. Several trucks, such as the GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, and Nissan Frontier, offer in-bed audio systems which you can pair with Alexa. (Note, Honda's discontinued its in-bed audio system for the Ridgeline for model year 2024.)
3. Handles, Steps and Rails
Safety, first! Handles, steps and rails give friends and family easy and safe access to the back of the truck.
4. Multifunction Tailgates
Some tailgates have cupholders stamped into the flat surface. Many have a power release that lets you open them with the key fob. And if you're going all-out and towing a smoker or a grill, Ford and Ram have split tailgates that let you get to your truck bed while the grill stays hitched.
5. Fridge or Drainable Storage
A place to store ice or cold drinks is always a winning idea. You could go with Cadillac Escalade's center console fridge, or opt for a cool box like in the Lexus GX and Toyota Land Cruiser, or fill up the Ram 1500 RamBox or the Honda Ridgeline's in-bed storage with ice.
6. Load Leveling and Camp Modes
If you're parked on a slight incline and want to do some food prep, things could get tricky. That's where vehicles that offer load leveling and camp modes come in handy. Autotrader says Camp Mode also turns on a courtesy mode for other tailgaters and turns off interior displays.
7. Extra Screens
Because you can never have too many screens to keep track of everything that's going on in the sports world.
8. Split Tailgates
Not to be confused with multifunction tailgates, split tailgates give you an extra spot to sit or serve food. You'll find one in vehicles like the all-new 2025 Ford Expedition, BMW X5, and Lincoln Navigator.
9. Wi-Fi
Onboard Wi-Fi is a must to stay connected.
10. Seat Heating, Cooling and Massagers
Tailgate party days can be long, so seat comfort is key. Plus, who wouldn't want a massaging seat for the post-game ride back home.
For more details, including specific vehicles that offer these features, click here.