The all-new 2025 Toyota Tacoma has been crowned Truck of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), marking a historic win for midsize pickup trucks. This is the first time a midsize truck has earned this prestigious award in the 31-year history of the Texas Truck Rodeo. Toyota’s full-size Tundra had previously won the award in 2022 and 2024, demonstrating Toyota’s continued dominance in the truck segment.
Along with the overall Truck of Texas title, the Tacoma also secured the Midsize Truck of Texas award. Further solidifying Toyota’s success, the Lexus GX 550 won SUV of Texas and Midsize SUV of Texas. Toyota also garnered recognition for its innovative technology, with the Wireless Trailer Camera winning Best Towing Technology and Safety Sense 3.0 securing Best Driver Assist or Safety Feature. This sweep of awards highlights the quality and capability of Toyota’s latest vehicle lineup.
The 2025 Tacoma boasts significant upgrades, including two new powertrain options. Most notably, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain delivers an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, a remarkable 75% increase compared to the previous generation V6. This powerful engine, combined with its rugged design and versatile features, makes the Tacoma a formidable contender in the off-road and everyday driving arenas. With 11 distinct grades available, the Tacoma caters to a wide range of driver needs and lifestyles.
The all-new Trailhunter grade further enhances the Tacoma’s off-road prowess. Designed for overlanding enthusiasts, it features integrated off-road equipment from industry leaders like ARB, Old Man Emu, and RIGID. The TRD Pro, inspired by the legendary Baja racing scene, introduces the segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seat, providing superior comfort and control during challenging off-road adventures.
TAWA’s annual Texas Truck Rodeo rigorously evaluates vehicles on both on-road and off-road courses. Journalists assess various aspects, including interior, exterior, value, performance, and overall appeal. The Tacoma’s victory underscores its exceptional capabilities and overall excellence in a highly competitive field.
This year’s event, held at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, saw participation from leading auto manufacturers worldwide. The rigorous testing and evaluation process emphasizes the significance of the Tacoma’s achievement.
The Tacoma’s recognition as Truck of Texas signifies a shift in the landscape of the truck market, demonstrating the growing appeal and capability of midsize pickups. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma has set a new benchmark for the segment, solidifying its position as a leader in performance, innovation, and overall excellence. This award underscores Toyota’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles that meet the diverse needs of today’s drivers.
