Autotrader Names 10 Must-Have Tailgating Features for 2024
Kick Off National Tailgating Day with Expert Picks for Vehicle Features that Enhance the Pre-Game Experience
ATLANTA, Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- While temperatures may still feel like summertime across much of the country, the unofficial start of fall in America kicks off in September with football season. Whether you're hailing your college alma mater, rooting for a professional team, or cheering on your local high school players, oftentimes the pre-game tailgate traditions with friends create just as many memories as the actual game itself. To benefit all football fans and in honor of the upcoming National Tailgating Day on September 7, the experts at Autotrader, a Cox Automotive brand, recently named 10 Must-Have Tailgating Features for 2024.
"Beyond the snacks and traditions, there are some other must-haves that can make tailgating even better. The Autotrader editors compiled a list of our favorite features available on new cars today that can really enhance the pre-game experience," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. "From in-vehicle power outlets for your favorite game day gadgets to second and third-row screens and the latest in tailgate technology, football fans can go from rookie to pro status with their next parking lot get-together."
Autotrader's 10 Must-Have Tailgating Features for 2024
1. On-Board PowerSome people lug a generator with them to power the TV,
fridge and more while tailgating. Wouldn't it be better to let your truck
serve as the generator? For now, there is only one company that lets you
do that. Ford's Pro Power Onboard is available with gas-powered F-150s,
hybrid models, and the all-electric F-150 Lightning. Even the base
version of it can power a mini-fridge, blender, TV, portable speakers and
a heater at the same time. Pro Power Onboard options get much more robust
from there, with four different power outputs to choose from.
2. In-Bed AudioTailgate parties are even better with music, and a few
pickups are available with audio systems in the truck bed. The Honda
Ridgeline has had this option for many years. In addition, Chevy and GMC
paired with Kicker for a system that's integrated into the
Multi-Flex/MultiPro tailgate. You can use Bluetooth, aux or USB
connections to play your favorite psyche-up songs.
3. Multi-Function TailgatesTailgates have come a long way from merely
holding cargo in place. The F-150, Sierra and Silverado have tailgates
with a step, and the F-150's tailgate step also includes a handrail. Some
tailgates have cupholders stamped into the flat surface. Many have a
power release that lets you open them with the key fob. If you're going
all-out and towing a smoker or grill, Ford and Ram have split tailgates
that let you get to your truck bed while the grill is hooked up.
4. Fridge or Drainable StorageAdmittedly, having an on-board fridge for your
game-day drinks is next level compared to dropping the trusty Igloo into
the pickup bed. The Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer offer them,
while the Lexus GX and Toyota Land Cruiser have cool boxes. Several
trucks, including the Ram 1500, Ridgeline and Santa Cruz have drainable
storage in the bed, a great way to load up ice and drinks.
5. Household-Style Plug OutletsIf you're powering a lot of electronics, you
must be able to plug them in, so the more 3-pronged household plug
outlets on the vehicle, the better. Dozens of trucks, minivans, cars and
SUVs have them. These are incredibly handy throughout the year, but they
are essential on game day.
6. Wi-FiAs the season goes on, you want to keep up on what's happening in
your division or post pics from your tailgate bash, and you may not have
great signal wherever you're tailgating. Maybe that one friend who was
supposed to bring the chips is lost or running late. On-board wi-fi to
the rescue! Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Subaru, Chevrolet, Ford
and more offer this feature.
7. Seat Heaters and CoolersIt would be great if every football game was in
70-degree weather, but those days are rare in some parts of the country.
Why not make sure you and your friends can get to the tailgate party in
comfort? You might freeze your tail off or roast once you get outside,
but you can certainly stay comfy on the way there and back.
8. Massaging SeatsSpeaking of comfort, massaging seats are such a welcome
feature to have after a long drive to the game. They also are terrific if
your back hurts after too much time standing around at the party, or if
you felt something tear or strain while tossing the football with your
buddies (It happens.). You can relieve those sore muscles on the drive
back.
9. Second- and Third-Row ScreensWhether you're on your way to the party or
the weather has gone south, there are fantastic rear-seat entertainment
systems that will keep you from missing a play. The Cadillac Escalade has
12.6-inch screens in back, and the Pilot has 10.2-inch screens. The
Pacifica, Sienna, Odyssey and Kia Carnival all have excellent rear-seat
entertainment systems with big screens, too.
10. Split TailgatesIt's a shame more SUVs don't have split tailgates. This
feature makes it easy to sit and watch the game - and sitting on a split
tailgate is much more comfortable than sitting in a regular SUV's open
cargo area. There are some used models that have split tailgates; new
SUVs that have them include the BMW X5, BMW X7, Range Rover and the 2025
Lincoln Navigator.
To learn more about the 10 Must-Have Tailgating Features for 2024 from Autotrader, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/best-tailgating-features.
For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/autotrader-com.
About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive(TM) brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.
About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, vAuto®, Dealertrack®, NextGear Capital(TM), CentralDispatch® and FleetNet America®. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately owned, Atlanta-based company with $22 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn.
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