The all-new, fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma has officially been named the “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), marking a monumental win at the 31st annual Texas Truck Rodeo. This prestigious award is particularly significant as it’s the first time a midsize pickup truck has ever clinched the coveted Truck of Texas title, solidifying the Toyota Tacoma’s dominance and innovative spirit in the competitive truck market. This victory continues Toyota’s strong legacy in the truck category, with Toyota trucks earning the top honor for the third time in the last four years, following the full-size Tundra’s wins in 2022 and 2024.
Toyota’s commitment to excellence was further recognized at the event, with the all-new Lexus GX 550 also being named SUV of Texas. In addition to these top accolades, Toyota secured several category and technical awards. The Tacoma was honored as the Midsize Truck of Texas, while the Lexus GX 550 took home the Midsize SUV of Texas title. Toyota’s innovation in towing technology was highlighted with the Wireless Trailer Camera receiving the Best Towing Technology award, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 was recognized as the Best Driver Assist or Safety Feature, underscoring Toyota’s dedication to both performance and safety in their vehicles.
“For two decades, the Toyota Tacoma has reigned as the most popular midsize pickup in the U.S., and being awarded Truck of Texas for the all-new model is a fantastic testament to its enduring appeal and innovation,” stated Dedra DeLilli, Toyota Vice President – Vehicle Marketing and Communications. “We are incredibly proud that TAWA has recognized the Tacoma as the first Truck of Texas from the midsize segment, a true honor.”
The redesigned Toyota Tacoma, a flagship Toyota truck, made its debut in Spring 2023, introducing two advanced powertrains, including the groundbreaking i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. This powerful hybrid system delivers an impressive total system output of up to 326 horsepower and an astounding 465 lb.-ft. of torque. This represents a remarkable 75 percent increase in torque compared to the previous generation’s V-6 engine, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to enhanced performance and efficiency. The Tacoma’s design, conceived by Calty Design Research in California and engineered by TMNA R&D in Ann Arbor, is specifically tailored for the North American market and is assembled in North America. It offers an extensive lineup of 11 unique grades, ensuring a perfect match for diverse lifestyles and customer needs. For off-road enthusiasts, the new Trailhunter grade elevates Toyota’s renowned off-road and overlanding capabilities, featuring purpose-built engineering and robust components designed to tackle the toughest terrains.
Further pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Baja-inspired TRD Pro model introduces the segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seat. This revolutionary feature enhances off-road driving control and comfort, setting a new standard in the pickup segment. The first-ever Trailhunter grade is engineered as a factory-developed overlanding rig from the ground up, incorporating state-of-the-art integrated off-road equipment from industry leaders like ARB, Old Man Emu, and RIGID, making it the ultimate Toyota truck for adventure.
The annual Texas Truck Rodeo, hosted by TAWA, provides automotive journalists a comprehensive platform to rigorously evaluate the latest trucks and SUVs from various automakers. The event includes both challenging off-road courses and street driving evaluations. The recent fall event was held at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas. Vehicles are meticulously judged based on a range of criteria, including interior and exterior design, overall value, performance metrics, and personal appeal, ensuring a thorough and unbiased assessment.
“The Truck of Texas award is highly esteemed and fiercely contested, and the Toyota Tacoma has rightfully earned this prestigious title,” remarked TAWA President Cory Fourniquet. “Our members were thoroughly impressed by the Tacoma’s wide array of grades and its innovative new powertrains, making it a standout Toyota truck.”
TAWA, a non-profit association based in Texas, has been dedicated to promoting professionalism and journalistic excellence in the automotive industry for over two decades. It has grown into one of the most influential and respected automotive journalist associations in the United States. TAWA hosts two major annual events, the Texas Auto Roundup and the Texas Truck Rodeo, providing its members unique opportunities to experience and evaluate vehicles from numerous manufacturers in a single location and timeframe.
For those seeking more detailed information on the award-winning Toyota Tacoma and other Toyota trucks, please visit the Toyota Newsroom.
