Football season is the perfect time to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable tailgate, but having the right vehicle can make all the difference. What is the best Ford truck for a tailgate? The answer depends on your game-day needs, from hauling equipment and supplies to keeping everyone comfortable before kickoff. Explore some of the best Ford models for tailgating and find the one that’s ready to help you celebrate every game day at Summerville Ford. Key Points Ford has a variety of trucks and SUVs equipped to handle the demands of football tailgating, whether you need extra cargo space, passenger comfort, or convenient features for game day. The Ford F-150 offers impressive strength and versatility, making it a dependable choice for hauling supplies, supporting tailgate activities, and protecting your belongings throughout the day. The Ford Explorer provides the space and flexibility needed for larger groups, giving fans plenty of room for passengers, equipment, and everything required for a successful tailgate. The Ford Maverick delivers a practical and efficient option for tailgaters who want a compact truck with useful capability, smart storage solutions, and convenient access to power. The Ford Escape combines efficiency with everyday versatility, offering a comfortable ride, flexible cargo options, and connectivity features that help keep everyone entertained from the drive to the stadium and back home. Ford F-150 Make every football tailgate easier with the 2026 Ford F-150. Its impressive capability includes a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds and a maximum payload of 2,440 pounds, giving you the strength to bring along trailers, grills, tents, coolers, and all your game-day gear. The available Pro Access Tailgate makes it easy to reach items in the truck bed, while the available 7.5 kW Pro Power Onboard system supplies electricity for TVs and speakers. Before you head into the stadium, take advantage of the lockable interior storage to keep valuables secure and out of sight, allowing you to enjoy the game with added peace of mind. Ford Explorer Bring the whole crew along for game day in the 2026 Ford Explorer. With seven-passenger seating, this SUV offers plenty of room for friends and family to ride together to the stadium. A maximum of 85 cubic feet of cargo space provides the flexibility to load coolers, tents, chairs, and other tailgating gear. You can also tow a small trailer with additional supplies, thanks to the SUV’s towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. As you head toward kickoff, the available 10-speaker audio system lets everyone enjoy their favorite playlists, creating the perfect soundtrack for the trip to the big game. Ford Maverick Among the best trucks for tailgating is the 2026 Ford Maverick. Its maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds and maximum available payload of 1,500 pounds make it easy to bring along grills, coolers, tables, chairs, and other tailgating necessities. The 33.3-cubic-foot truck bed offers generous space for hauling gear, while available 12-volt power outlets let you keep small electronics and accessories charged throughout the festivities. Ford Escape Consider the 2026 Ford Escape as the best Ford SUV for tailgating. Its available hybrid powertrain helps provide an efficient drive, allowing you to focus on game day instead of frequent stops at the pump. With up to 65.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, the Escape offers plenty of room for coolers, snacks, chairs, and all your tailgating essentials. A towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds adds extra capability when you need to bring a small trailer along. During the drive, available Wi-Fi hotspot capability and wireless smartphone connectivity help keep passengers entertained and connected from the ride to the stadium to the trip back home. Prepare for the Next Tailgate with Ford Whether you’re loading up the truck bed with tailgating gear or bringing the whole crew to the stadium, Ford SUVs and trucks are built to help you make the most of every game day. Visit our dealership to explore your favorite Ford model in person. Then, check out our new specials to discover current offers and find the right vehicle for your next adventure this football season.
2027 Ford Explorer vs Chevy Traverse: Which SUV Wins?
Choosing your next SUV means finding one that can keep up with everything on your schedule, from everyday errands to weekend adventures. The 2027 Ford Explorer and 2027 Chevy Traverse both offer impressive space, capability, and technology, but the Explorer brings a few advantages that can make it the more versatile choice. Let’s take a closer look at how these two SUVs compare and see where the Explorer comes out ahead before you take it for a test drive at Summerville Ford. Key Points The 2027 Ford Explorer and 2027 Chevy Traverse both offer a 5,000-pound towing capacity for bringing along trailers and recreational gear. The Explorer offers two engine options, including an available 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost® V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Available four-wheel drive and six selectable drive modes give the Explorer added versatility for different road and terrain conditions. Both SUVs offer comfortable interiors with features designed to make everyday drives more enjoyable. The Explorer offers advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, premium audio, and Wi-Fi connectivity for added convenience. Power and Capability Both SUVs can handle more than daily commutes. They have the same towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, allowing them to haul a trailer or recreational gear. The new Chevy Traverse has a 2.5-liter turbo engine that produces 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of tor que. It’s also available in all-wheel drive. The new Ford Explorer ups the ante. With two engines to choose from, including the 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost®, you can experience a whopping 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Your Ford SUV will come with six selectable drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail or Off-Road, enabling you to be prepared for any driving conditions. With the available four-wheel drive, you can enjoy added traction and control as you travel across slippery roads and uneven terrain. Interior Design Climb inside either SUV, and you’ll notice similar features in the cabin, such as tri-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Both vehicles provide plenty of cargo space for you to secure large belongings for the ride. The Chevy Traverse stands out with eight-passenger seating, while the Ford Explorer has seating for only seven. Here are available interior features that make the Ford SUV stand out: Multi-contour seats with Active Motion® massaging Rear auxiliary climate control 10-way power driver’s seat and 8-way power passenger seat PowerFold ® third-row seats Technology Is the new Ford Explorer worth buying? Yes, because, along with its capability and roomy interior, it’s also equipped with advanced technology. B oth SUVs have wireless smartphone connectivity and Wi-Fi. The Traverse has a larger touchscreen display, but t he Explorer has more USB ports on all three row s of the cabin. T he available premium audio system is more premium, giving you 14 speakers and a subwoofer to jam to all your favorite songs, and you can connect up to 10 devices to the Wi-Fi. Experience the New Ford Explorer Which is better, Explorer or Traverse? Let’s just say you would rather explore than traverse when traveling with the people you love. Stop by our Ford dealership today to experience the new Ford Explorer in person and invest in a powerful, spacious SUV you’ve always wanted. We look forward to serving you today!