(September 30, 2021) ATLANTA —  With football season underway, fans are ready to cheer on their favorite teams. There are many game day traditions, but one of the best parts about going to the games is tailgating. Experienced fans know what food, playlist and games to bring, but even the most seasoned fan needs help finding the best vehicle for pre-game festivities. Some vehicles are better equipped than others, and to help you score big, Autotrader has released the "7 Outstanding Vehicles for Tailgating" list, highlighting the best cars to make your tailgate unforgettable.

“For many, tailgating before a big game is just as action-packed as the game itself,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “You need to have a vehicle that will help you carry everything to the tailgate, and that means plenty of room for your stuff and your passengers. Our list includes trucks, SUVs and minivans that not only help you get to game day efficiently, but you’ll be able to set-up in style with easy unloading and features like built-in speakers, power outlets and Wifi to stay connected and make your pre-game experience livelier.”

Before kickoff, check out Autotrader editors’ fan favorite vehicles for tailgating. Note that the vehicles below are listed in alphabetical order, and not ranked by availability when it comes to specific models.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid — On the way to the game, you and your passengers will no doubt take notice of the Pacifica’s soft, quiet ride and strong V6 engine. The Pacifica’s cabin feels upscale, benefiting from premium-looking materials, a huge sunroof, and available two-tone leather. But what makes the Pacifica Hybrid the ideal party vehicle is that you can technically leave it “on” without the engine running the whole time. This means you can continue to draw power without burning fuel (though the gas engine will cycle on and off to keep the battery charged).

2021 Ford F-150 — A rugged workhorse for weekend warriors, this beast finds power from one of seven engines, including a hybrid V6 and a turbo-diesel to help you get to your game day destination efficiently. The F-150 offers up lots of passenger room and cargo space for all your food, supplies, and even your grill. And the deployable step hidden within the tailgate makes for quick loading and unloading. The Ford SYNC 4 infotainment system with an available 12-inch screen is perfect for outputting your favorite pre-game tunes. In addition, this quintessential pickup is ideal for towing a full-size camper if you want to start your fun the night before.

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 — The 2021 GMC Sierra is known for being among the most reliable and capable of pickup trucks. Entertainment highlights include a Bose audio system, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and an available Bluetooth speaker system in the tailgate, all of which can make the pre-game experience more exciting. The Sierra’s full-size bed provides excellent room for your coolers and grilling supplies and features an innovative six-function MultiPro tailgate, which utilizes specially designed hinges to improve second-tier loading/unloading and overall bed access.

2021 Land Rover Range Rover — If you’re going for a premium parking lot experience, this is the vehicle for you. Offering space, convenience, and innovation, the Range Rover epitomizes rugged luxury, combining 4-wheel drive and generous ride height with a lavish and airy cabin. Your fellow tailgaters will feel pampered as they kick back to enjoy a day of fun, food, and football. And you can get in and out of the Range Rover easily, thanks to an air suspension that raises and lowers automatically — which is also helpful when you’re loading and unloading your gear.

2021 Honda Odyssey — There’s no denying that minivans provide an abundance of space and comfort when it comes to hauling people. The Honda Odyssey is a clear leader of that game. If you’re going to be toting little ones to the pre-game fun, the Odyssey’s sliding second row is a thing of beauty. The seats travel up and back and side to side, so getting kids in and out of the car is made much more manageable. Your full-size passengers will also love this cabin for its space and comfort.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L —  For a family-friendly crossover that’s also a robust off-roader, consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. This is an excellent SUV for a wide range of weekend activities, from camping to tailgating. The available McIntosh 19-speaker premium audio system is a must if you enjoy music while tailgating. This is one versatile SUV that does it all, which makes it great for tailgating.

2022 Subaru Outback — Sure, this surefooted and capable crossover may be all about venturing out into the wild thanks to a sophisticated AWD system that Subaru has spent decades perfecting. This crossover’s wagon-like practicality and low, wide cargo floor that makes it the right vehicle for weekend tailgating. Not too big, not too small, the Outback is just right for a party of four or five to transport all their grilling supplies, chairs, and food, with room left over for bean bag toss. While driving to the pre-game festivities, the Outback displays a balanced ride and handling experience and a well-weighted steering system.