The Jeep Compass Limited is the least expensive of our top tailgating transports. Even adding a couple of option packages to include all of the features described here, the Compass is barely edged out by the Subaru Forester in this group as least expensive.

Seating: A total of five will fit in the Compass. The driver's seat is height adjustable, the passenger seat folds flat, and the rear seat reclines and folds flat.

Cargo: At 54 cubic feet, it also has the least amount of maximum hauling space with the second seat folded flat. With that seat in place, cargo space shrinks to 22.7 cubic feet.

Convenience: A 12-volt outlet is located upfront.

Features: What really qualifies the Compass Limited to be on this list is its 115-volt household power outlet and the availability of an articulating speaker pod that folds down from the open rear lift gate. This is part of the $1,295 Sun and Sound Group that also includes six Boston Acoustics speakers with a subwoofer, and power sunroof. For another $650 you can upgrade the audio to include a USB port, audio input and a hard-disk drive for storing music. Otherwise, the standard audio unit is a four-speaker system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and auxiliary input jack. Mustering 172 horsepower, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers the Compass and uses a five-speed manual transmission to funnel power to the front wheels.