Best Honda Vehicles for Nebraska Football Tailgating | Honda of Lincoln

As autumn approaches, fans packing the parking lots around Memorial Stadium to cheer on the Nebraska Cornhuskers know that a successful game day starts hours before kickoff. Having the right vehicle to haul your coolers, grills, and canopy tents makes all the difference when setting up your tailgate. Our team at Honda of Lincoln is ready to help you find the ideal match from our new Honda inventory. If you need a spacious three-row SUV like the new Honda Pilot, a rugged adventure partner like the new Honda Passport, or the unmatched utility of the new Honda Ridgeline, our team has options on the ground and in transit.

For those who prefer a smaller footprint without sacrificing cargo capability, the new Honda CR-V and the fuel-efficient new Honda CR-V Hybrid provide excellent flexibility. We also carry the compact new Honda HR-V for agile city driving and the family-favorite new Honda Odyssey for maximum passenger comfort. If you are looking to maximize your value, you can explore our Honda Certified Pre-Owned vehicles or browse our selection of used cars under $20,000. You can view current pricing and financing information online, or secure your favorite model today when you contact us about availability. To see these models in person, stop by our showroom on Yankee Hill Road or give us a call at (402) 437-1200.

Table of Contents

• Why the Honda Ridgeline is the Tailgating Pickup Truck
• Choosing the Right Honda SUV for Weekend Road Trips and Game Days
• How to Prepare Your Honda for a Safe and Successful Weekend Trip
• Quick Answers Before You Visit
• Find Your Perfect Game Day Companion at Honda of Lincoln

Why the Honda Ridgeline is the Tailgating Pickup Truck

While traditional body-on-frame trucks often deliver a stiff, bumpy ride, the Ridgeline uses a unique unibody construction to provide SUV-like comfort with pickup utility. This design makes it an ideal vehicle for hauling tailgating gear. The composite truck bed is scratch-resistant and UV-stabilized, meaning you do not have to worry about scratching the paint when loading heavy metal grills or coolers during your tailgate setup. At the heart of its utility is the lockable In-Bed Trunk, which offers over 7 cubic feet of secure, weatherproof storage. Because it features a built-in drain plug, you can fill it with ice to keep drinks cold, and cleaning it afterward is as simple as pulling the plug and spraying it out with a garden hose.

When families join us for a walk-around on the showroom floor, they usually want to see how the dual-action tailgate swings open to the side before they even look at the cabin features. This dual-action tailgate can either fold down conventionally or swing open to the side, allowing you to stand right against the bumper to lift heavy items out of the bed or trunk without straining. If you want to power a television or a slow cooker at the game, the available 150-watt/400-watt truck-bed power outlet lets you plug in accessories directly. To customize your setup further, you can order cargo dividers and bed extenders through our online parts store.

Under the hood, every Ridgeline features a robust 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain allows the truck to tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a maximum payload of 1,509 lbs, easily handling a full load of tailgating gear or a small camper. To help you manage ownership costs, features like Eco Assist and an idle-stop system help optimize efficiency, yielding an EPA-rated 18 city / 24 hwy MPG. If you are looking for value, you can also check out our pre-owned vehicle inventory to find reliable older models with similar tailgating capabilities.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

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Choosing the Right Honda SUV for Weekend Road Trips and Game Days

For families planning weekend road trips from Gretna to explore the scenic riverfront parks or attend regional festivals, choosing between a two-row and a three-row SUV comes down to passenger count versus cargo volume. The 2026 Honda Pilot is a premier three-row choice, offering seating for up to 8 passengers with a standard second-row bench, or seven passengers with available captain’s chairs. Under the hood, the Pilot features a robust 3.5L V6 engine delivering 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim, such as the EX-L which comes with front-wheel drive or the standard all-wheel drive on the Elite and Black Edition, you get a highly capable highway cruiser.

If you do not need a third row but still crave V6 power, the 2026 Honda Passport is an outstanding alternative. It uses the same 3.5L V6 engine producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive. The Passport offers about 44 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which expands to about 84 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. This makes it a better value for travelers who prioritize gear storage over passenger capacity, as it easily swallows coolers, canopy tents, and luggage without needing to fold down passenger seating.

To ensure your SUV is always ready for the highway, keeping up with routine maintenance is vital. Your vehicle’s dashboard will alert you when maintenance is due, and you can decipher these alerts using our guide to Maintenance Minder service codes. When it is time for an oil change, tire rotation, or brake inspection, you can easily schedule service for your vehicle with our certified technicians.

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How to Prepare Your Honda for a Safe and Successful Weekend Trip

Many drivers assume that a quick fluid check is all it takes to prepare for a long road trip, but a comprehensive inspection is the key to preventing unexpected delays. Before hitting the highway, always verify your tire pressure and inspect the tread depth to ensure optimal traction, especially during sudden rainstorms. Test your battery’s charge, examine the brake pads for wear, and confirm that your windshield wipers clear the glass cleanly. Additionally, running a quick diagnostic on your air conditioning system ensures everyone stays comfortable in summer heat or humid autumn weather.

Packing a well-stocked emergency kit is equally important for peace of mind. Your kit should include fresh drinking water, a reliable flashlight, jumper cables, basic hand tools, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger. If you do experience an unexpected issue on the road, you can rely on manufacturer-backed support. Every eligible new and certified pre-owned vehicle includes access to Honda Roadside Assistance: 800-594-7400, providing 24-hour emergency towing, flat tire changes, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery. This program connects you with authorized service centers and certified technicians who use genuine parts, preserving your warranty protection.

If you are looking to upgrade your current ride before your next big adventure, we offer a diverse selection of vehicles to fit your lifestyle. You can browse our high-quality pre-owned SUVs for extra passenger space, explore our rugged pre-owned trucks for heavy-duty hauling, or check out our fuel-efficient pre-owned sedans for your daily commute.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy and range by trim

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Quick Answers Before You Visit

Q: What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Honda Pilot?

When properly equipped with all-wheel drive, the 2026 Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Front-wheel-drive models are rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs, making the AWD system the preferred choice for pulling campers or recreational trailers.

Q: How wide is the truck bed on the Honda Ridgeline?

The Ridgeline features a lay-flat truck bed designed with minimal wheelwell housings to maximize usable width. It is wide enough to lay four-by-eight-foot sheets of plywood completely flat, giving you ample room to load wide coolers, heavy grills, and folding tables side-by-side.

Q: Can I use the lockable In-Bed Trunk on the Ridgeline as a cooler?

Yes, the lockable trunk offers over 7 cubic feet of secure storage and comes equipped with a built-in drain plug at the bottom. This allows you to fill the trunk with ice and drinks for game day, then simply pull the plug to let the melted water drain out completely when the party is over.

Q: Which Honda SUV is better value for weekend road trips?

The ideal choice depends on your preference for passenger capacity versus cargo space. The two-row Passport offers excellent value with standard all-wheel drive and generous rear cargo room, while the three-row Pilot is best if you regularly travel with more than five passengers.

Q: How can I trade in my current vehicle to upgrade for football season?

Our team makes it simple to transition into a more capable truck or SUV. You can easily value your trade-in online to receive an instant cash offer, which can then be applied directly toward your purchase.

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Find Your Perfect Game Day Companion at Honda of Lincoln

Preparing for a memorable football season requires a vehicle that matches your enthusiasm and cargo needs. At Honda of Lincoln, we pride ourselves on being a trusted dealer in our area, offering an unparalleled experience for our customers. With close to 50 service bays on site, our tenured staff and award-winning technicians are ready to provide top-notch service. Our service department is rated as one of the top 3 in the nation, reflecting our commitment to excellence. With over 50 years of experience in sales, service, and financing, we have been honored with the President’s Award from American Honda 19 times. Experience the Honda of Lincoln way, where exceptional service and customer satisfaction are our top priorities.

To help you drive home in the perfect vehicle, we offer transparent pricing across our entire lineup. For example, the versatile 2026 Honda Pilot starts at a base MSRP of $42,395 for the Sport trim, while the well-equipped EX-L is listed at $44,695. If you are looking for rugged adventure, the TrailSport comes in at $50,595, and the luxurious Elite starts at $53,695. For the ultimate expression of style, the Black Edition starts at $55,195. Each of these models carries a standard destination charge of $1,495. We are also proud to support our community with select programs and complimentary services.

When you are ready to take the next step, our team is here to make the process simple and stress-free. You can begin the purchase path today when you apply for financing online using our secure credit application. To experience these capable vehicles firsthand, get directions to stop by our dealership at 2770 Yankee Hill Road, or call us at (402) 437-1200 to speak with our friendly team.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

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