Fall in Wichita means cooler temperatures, football weekends, good food, and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family. Whether you're heading to a high school game, college football matchup, or hosting a tailgate of your own, the right vehicle can make game day even better.
From spacious SUVs to capable trucks, today's vehicles offer plenty of features that can make transporting your crew, gear, coolers, chairs, and everything else easier.
Here are some of the best types of vehicles to consider for your next fall football adventure.
Trucks: The Ultimate Tailgate Vehicle
When it comes to tailgating, trucks are hard to beat.A pickup gives you plenty of room for the gear you don't want inside the cabin. Coolers, folding chairs, tents, grills, sports equipment, and other tailgate essentials can all ride in the bed.
Models like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 offer the capability and space that make them excellent choices for football weekends.
Plus, many modern trucks offer available features that make tailgating even easier, including power outlets, built-in storage, multiple USB ports, and versatile tailgate designs.
Best for: Large tailgates, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who likes to bring everything but the kitchen sink.
SUVs: Bring the Whole Crew
If your football weekends usually involve family and friends, an SUV can be a great option.
Vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Mazda CX-90 provide a combination of passenger space and cargo room. Depending on the model and configuration, you can bring several passengers while still having room for coolers, blankets, chairs, and game-day gear.
SUVs also offer another major advantage during Kansas fall weather: flexibility. One weekend might bring perfect football weather, while the next could bring rain, wind, or dropping temperatures. Available all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive can provide added confidence when conditions change.
Best for: Families, groups of friends, and road trips to away games.
Crossovers: The Perfect Balance
You don't necessarily need a full-size truck or large SUV to enjoy tailgate season. A crossover such as the Mazda CX-5 or Chevrolet Equinox can give you a great combination of everyday drivability, passenger space, and cargo flexibility.
Crossovers are especially appealing if your vehicle needs to handle more than football weekends. They can make the morning commute, school drop-off, grocery runs, and weekend adventures just as easily.
Fold down the rear seats when you need additional cargo space, load up the cooler, grab your chairs, and you're ready for kickoff.
Best for: Everyday drivers who want versatility without stepping up to a full-size SUV.
What Should You Look for in a Tailgate Vehicle?
Before choosing your next vehicle, think about how you actually spend your football weekends.
Cargo Space
How much room do you need for coolers, chairs, grills, tents, sports equipment, and other gear?
Passenger Space
Are you usually bringing a few friends or the entire family?
Towing Capability
If you plan to tow a camper, trailer, boat, or other recreational equipment, make sure the vehicle you choose has the capability you need.
All-Weather Capability
Kansas weather can change quickly during the fall. Available AWD or 4WD can provide additional confidence when rain, mud, or changing road conditions enter the picture.
Technology
Modern vehicles can make long drives and crowded game days easier with features such as smartphone connectivity, multiple charging ports, navigation, and available Wi-Fi.
Comfort
Football season can mean spending hours on the road. Comfortable seating and a spacious cabin can make those trips much more enjoyable.
Make the Most of Fall Football
The best tailgate vehicle isn't necessarily the biggest vehicle. It's the one that fits your lifestyle.
Whether you need the bed of a truck, the passenger space of an SUV, the flexibility of a crossover, or the family-friendly practicality of a minivan, there's a vehicle that can help make your fall weekends easier.
And when you're ready to find the right vehicle for your next football adventure, Davis-Moore Auto Group has a variety of new and pre-owned vehicles to explore.
So grab your cooler, load up the crew, and get ready for kickoff. Fall football season is here!