With football season well underway, the CarGurus Blog this month ranked the top 10 vehicles for tailgating, dubbing the Ram 1500 No.1.
A more feasible but less classic choice than last year’s Ford Model T, the Ram 1500 boasts the available RamBox Cargo Management System, which has storage containers on each side of the bed. Thanks to the RamBox, the pickup can hold up to 240 12-ounce cans without a cooler, the research and shopping website said. The Ram also has available Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system, so football fans can stream the game while guzzling down beers and chomping on hot dogs.
“While other tailgaters will be fumbling around setting up coolers, TV antennas and grills, Ram owners can simply kick back, open up the RamBox and enjoy all Sunday has to offer without breaking a sweat,” CarGurus said.
Editors based the list on vehicle specs and professional and user reviews, said Steve Halloran, CarGurus chief editor. The editors looked at seat capacity, cargo space, comfort, styling and infotainment to compile the list.
“Tailgating during football season is an American tradition, and this list highlights the 2014 and 2015 models and one older car we think lend themselves particularly well to this favorite pastime,” Halloran said.
The Honda Odyssey, after failing to crack the top 10 last year, claimed No. 2 this year for its spacious interior. The Pontiac Aztek, which was discontinued after the 2005 model year, finished in third place, unchanged from a year ago.
“Oft maligned as one of the ugliest cars to hit the market in recent times, what the Aztek lacks in looks it makes up for in sheer tailgating skill,” this year’s Aztek write-up said.
The No. 4 Toyota 4Runner, No. 5 Ford Flex and No. 6 Honda Ridgeline each jumped one place from last year.
Besides the Odyssey, new to this year’s list were the Chrysler Town & Country, seventh; Ford F-150, eighth; Honda Fit ninth; and Volvo XC90, 10th. Some of last year’s top 10 that fell off this season’s list were the Chevrolet Chevy Van, Ford E-150, Mitsubishi Outlander and Dodge Grand Caravan.
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