USA Today: Top 10 Vehicles For Tailgating

The arrival of football season means stadium parking lots will soon be filled with grills, coolers, folding chairs, televisions and fans who begin preparing for kickoff several hours before the players do.

The vehicle that gets everything there can be almost as important as the menu. USA Today Sports recently asked readers to select the country’s best vehicles for tailgating. Nominees were chosen by an expert panel, with readers determining the final order. Voters favored vehicles offering generous cargo space, useful tailgates, electrical outlets and enough versatility to serve as a game-day command center.

Pickup trucks claimed five of the 10 positions, but the overall winner was something considerably larger: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van. Here is the complete ranking from the USA Today Sports Readers’ Choice Awards:

#1-Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

The Sprinter’s enormous interior and available high-roof configuration helped it take the championship. USA Today noted that its cargo capacity provides room for supplies, equipment and people, while customized Sprinters are frequently converted into rolling entertainment centers. Calling it a “party bus” may be a cliché, but in this case, the bus brought home the trophy. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

#2-Nissan Frontier PRO-4X

The Frontier PRO-4X finished second, giving midsize-truck buyers a more manageable alternative to the full-size pickups on the list. USA Today highlighted its available 6-foot bed, electrical outlets and locking storage. Those features allow fans to transport food and equipment without requiring a truck that occupies roughly the same amount of real estate as the stadium. Nissan Frontier PRO-4X

#3-Ford F-150 Lightning

The all-electric F-150 Lightning earned third place largely because of its Pro Power Onboard capability, which can supply electricity for televisions, speakers, lights and other equipment without a separate generator. Its drainable front trunk provides additional secure storage and can also be used to hold ice and beverages.  Ford F-150 Lightning

#4-Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet’s Silverado placed fourth. Its available Multi-Flex tailgate offers six different positions, allowing it to function as a work surface, bed step, load stop or conventional tailgate. Available 120-volt outlets in the bed can power televisions and other game-day accessories. Chevrolet Silverado

#5-GMC Sierra 1500

The Sierra combines pickup-truck cargo capacity with several features suited to parking-lot entertaining. USA Today pointed to its integrated bed-access step and available exterior audio system. Certain versions also offer GMC’s MultiPro tailgate, providing multiple configurations for loading, access and seating. GMC Sierra 1500

#6-Volkswagen ID. Buzz

The electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz was one of USA Today's more unconventional choices. Its power liftgate, flexible interior and generous cargo area make it useful for carrying both passengers and equipment. USA Today also cited its removable Flexboard cargo system, which can create a flat loading surface and additional storage underneath. Volkswagen ID. Buzz

#7-Toyota 4Runner

The redesigned Toyota 4Runner placed seventh. Its SUV configuration provides enclosed storage for food, chairs and other supplies, while its rear liftgate can offer some overhead shelter. The 4Runner also brings the advantage of four-wheel-drive availability for fans whose football weekends extend beyond paved stadium parking lots. Toyota 4Runner

#8-GMC Yukon

The full-size Yukon earned eighth place with abundant passenger and cargo room. Its power liftgate simplifies loading and, once raised, provides a degree of protection from sun or light rain. The Yukon’s size also allows it to transport a substantial group and their supplies in one vehicle. GMC Yukon

#9-Ram 1500

The Ram 1500’s available multifunction tailgate uses 60/40 split doors that can swing open horizontally, making it easier to reach items inside the bed. The tailgate can also be lowered conventionally. USA Today additionally cited a load rating of up to 2,000 pounds, although actual payload capacity varies by configuration. Ram 1500

#10-Kia Carnival

Rounding out the list is the Kia Carnival, which blends minivan practicality with SUV-inspired styling. Available seven- or eight-passenger seating, a large cargo area and sliding side doors make it especially useful for families. USA Today also noted the available 242-horsepower hybrid powertrain and its EPA-rated fuel economy of up to 33 mpg. Kia Carnival

The results confirm that the ideal tailgating vehicle does not necessarily have to be a pickup. It simply needs room for people and gear, accessible storage and enough electrical power to keep the food warm, the television running and the pregame analysis going until everyone is thoroughly overanalyzed.