Consumer Reports

Any good pickup truck may seem like a natural for tailgating excursions, but the Honda Ridgeline stands out as perhaps the best option available today.
It’s not the traditional body-on-frame pickup but is more like a typical SUV, which means it drives more like a car than a truck. The bed sits lower than that of other trucks, making it easier to get stuff in and out. And it has a unique tailgate that can either open flat or swing on side hinges. This pickup also comes with a protective bed liner to limit scratches.
The biggest draw for tailgating is the Ridgeline’s under-the-bed trunk: It’s bigger than an 80-quart cooler, with built-in drain plugs, shown above. If you want to listen to the game while you party, there is an available waterproof audio system that turns the bed walls into speakers. (Or you can use the burly wireless speaker listed in this article.)
You can change the audio source or volume with a paired smartphone. The system will also automatically shut off before the battery is drained. And you can plug a TV or other devices into the bed’s two-prong outlet.
Consumer Reports recommends the 2019 Ridgeline; it’s at the top of our compact pickup truck ratings. If you want a Ridgeline for tailgating, choose the RTL-E trim—it’s the cheapest version that has in-bed speakers and power outlet. (Lower versions don’t offer either.) That trim level also includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. It starts at just under $42,000, not including the destination fee.

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