The Top 10 Tailgating Features for 2025

Now that football season has begun, fans are tailgating in parking lots across the nation. Sometimes, the pregame party can be just as fun as attending the game, so, in honor of the 2025 football season, Autotrader, a Cox Automotive brand, has named the “10 Must-Have Tailgating Features for 2025.”

“Solidifying all of the important game day plans—from who is bringing the food and drinks to what time and where the crew is kicking off the tailgate—is all part of the football season fun,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “One of the best ways to boost your tailgating game is to own a vehicle optimally equipped for the pregame experience. Modern trucks have items like reconfigurable tailgates, a built-in audio system, Wi-Fi, plus handles and rails to make accessing all the food and equipment that much easier. To help shoppers find the right tailgate champ, Autotrader editors recently pooled their collective wisdom to determine the top roster of must-have features.”

Below is Autotrader’s list of top 10 must-haves for tailgating. To learn more about each item on this list, including specific vehicles that offer these features and more, visit Autotrader.

1. Onboard Power
2. Truck Bed Audio
3. Handles, Steps and Rails
4. Multifunction Tailgates
5. Fridge or Drainable Storage
6. Load Leveling and Camp Modes
7. Extra Screens
8. Split Tailgates
9. Wi-Fi
10. Seat Heating, Cooling and Massagers