KBB & AAA Pick Best Vehicles for Tailgating

With the college football season starting up this weekend and the NFL campaign coming soon, both Kelley Blue Book and AAA unveiled their picks as the best vehicles for tailgating.

Contained within the list produced by KBB was a mix of 10 models ranging from smaller units such as the Kia Soul and Mini Countryman to luxury models from Land Rover and Lexus. A trio of domestic vehicles also made KBB’s cut, including its best overall choice — the 2011 Ram 1500.

“Forget the beach parties, and don't worry about the holidays just yet — it’s time for cold drinks and hot dogs before a stadium-sized event,” declared Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

“And to throw a proper tailgating party, you need a proper tailgating car,” Nerad continued. “We’ve ranked the top 10 new party-mobiles to assist anyone in planning their next parking-lot party.”

Ranked in order, KBB shared more details about why it selected each vehicle as a tailgating recommendation.

—2011 Ram 1500: “The ace up this Ram’s sleeve is the RamBox cargo management system: Locking bedside bins that can accommodate up to 240 12-ounce cans of your favorite before-game beverage,” KBB analysts pointed out. “And if that’s not enough storage, the interior can be outfitted with in-floor bins that can be filled with more cold stuff as well as rear under-seat compartments for any other party favors. Combined with a big bed for chairs, grills, canopies and everything else that goes into a deluxe pre-game party, the Ram 1500 is our top tailgater for 2011.”

—2011 GMC Terrain: “Whether it’s an EPL/MLS friendly or the U.S. team taking on Mexico, soccer games can get pretty crazy,” KBB acknowledged. “So what better way to get your pre-game party going than in the comfort (and protection) of the 2011 GMC Terrain? The Terrain has an incredibly spacious second row with eight inches of fore and aft movement, so even the tallest fans can find room for their knees. And the optional rear entertainment system has two screens — so you can relive Landon Donovan’s greatest hits with your best friend before the game.”

—2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: “Whether you’re into Eagles, Tigers, Bulldogs or Panthers, the outdoorsy 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a first-class vehicle for showing up early and supporting your team,” KBB declared. “The Grand Cherokee offers seating for five fans, plus a wide-mouthed rear hatch and fold-flat second row for the cooler, chairs and barbecue. The option of turning your Jeep Grand Cherokee into a 10-speaker, 506-watt Alpine concert hall will also appeal, whether you are a Wildcat, Warrior or Lion.”

—2011 Honda Odyssey: “Attention Parrotheads: The 2011 Honda Odyssey is the hot ticket for the tailgate party at your next Jimmy Buffet concert,” KBB insisted. “The new Honda Odyssey carries you and six of your best coral reefer buds to the concert in V6 style, possibly to the cabin-wide rhythms of the available 12-speaker Premium Audio System with 5.1 Surround Sound Theater Mode. You just bring the sand and the margarita mix — there's plenty of room for both — the 2011 Honda Odyssey will take care of the rest.”