PLANO, Texas (Jan. 29, 2025) – In a historic first, the all-new, fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma has been named Truck of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) at their 31st annual Texas Truck Rodeo. This prestigious accolade marks the first time a midsize pickup truck has ever clinched the coveted Truck of Texas title. This victory continues Toyota’s recent success at the Truck Rodeo, following wins by the full-size Tundra in both 2022 and 2024.
Tacoma Wins Truck of Texas at TAWA Truck Rodeo
The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) held its annual Truck Rodeo, a rigorous evaluation event where automotive journalists assess the latest trucks and SUVs. Alongside the Tacoma’s top honor, the all-new Lexus GX 550 was awarded SUV of Texas. The event also recognized category leaders and technical innovations. The Toyota Tacoma secured the Midsize Truck of Texas award, mirroring the Lexus GX 550’s Midsize SUV of Texas win. Further highlighting Toyota’s innovation, the brand’s Wireless Trailer Camera system was recognized as Best Towing Technology, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 received the award for Best Driver Assist or Safety Feature.
“For two decades, the Toyota Tacoma has reigned as the best-selling midsize pickup in the U.S., and receiving the Truck of Texas award for the all-new model is a fantastic achievement,” stated Dedra DeLilli, Toyota vice president – Vehicle Marketing and Communications. “We are incredibly honored by TAWA’s recognition of the Tacoma as the first-ever Truck of Texas from the midsize segment.”
All-New Toyota Tacoma: A Winning Combination of Power and Innovation
The redesigned Toyota Tacoma, launched in the spring of 2023, introduces significant advancements, most notably with two new powertrain options. Among these is the powerful i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, delivering an impressive total system output of up to 326 horsepower and a remarkable 465 lb.-ft. of torque. This hybrid engine option represents a substantial 75 percent increase in torque compared to the previous generation’s V-6 engine, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to performance and efficiency.
Hybrid Power and Performance
The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is a game-changer for the Toyota Tacoma, offering enhanced power and improved fuel economy. This advanced engine technology underscores Toyota’s dedication to providing customers with cutting-edge options that meet the demands of both daily driving and more challenging tasks.
Grades for Every Adventure
Designed by Calty Design Research in California and engineered by TMNA R&D in Ann Arbor, the Toyota Tacoma is specifically tailored for the North American market. It is assembled with a focus on catering to a wide range of lifestyles and customer needs, offering 11 distinct grades. For those seeking unparalleled off-road capabilities, the new Trailhunter grade builds upon Toyota’s established off-road legacy, incorporating purpose-built engineering and robust components ideal for overlanding adventures. The Baja-inspired TRD Pro grade further elevates off-road performance, debuting the segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seat to enhance control and comfort during demanding off-road driving scenarios. Additionally, the Trailhunter grade marks a pioneering step as a factory-developed overlanding rig, integrating state-of-the-art off-road equipment from renowned brands like ARB, Old Man Emu, and RIGID.
TAWA Texas Truck Rodeo: Rigorous Testing and Evaluation
The annual Texas Truck Rodeo hosted by TAWA is a crucial event for automakers to showcase their latest trucks and SUVs. Automotive journalists rigorously evaluate these vehicles through both off-road courses and street driving scenarios. The most recent event took place at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas. Evaluations encompass various critical aspects, including interior and exterior design, overall value, performance metrics, and personal appeal to consumers.
“The Truck of Texas award is a highly esteemed and fiercely contested title, and the Toyota Tacoma has rightfully earned this recognition,” stated TAWA President Cory Fourniquet. “Our members were particularly impressed by the Tacoma’s diverse range of grades and its innovative new powertrains.”
The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) is a non-profit organization based in Texas, dedicated to promoting professionalism and excellence in automotive journalism for over two decades. TAWA has grown into one of the most influential and respected automotive journalist associations in the United States. The association hosts two major annual events, the Texas Auto Roundup and the Texas Truck Rodeo, providing its members with unique opportunities to experience and evaluate vehicles from numerous manufacturers in a single location and timeframe.
For further details on the award-winning Toyota Tacoma, please visit the Toyota Newsroom.
