PLANO, Texas (Jan. 29, 2025) – In a landmark victory, the all-new, fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma has been named Truck of Texas by the esteemed Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) at their 31st annual Texas Truck Rodeo. This monumental achievement marks the first time in the event’s history that a midsize pickup truck has clinched the coveted Truck of Texas title, signaling a significant shift in the pickup landscape and highlighting the exceptional capabilities of Toyota Trucks Tacoma. This win extends Toyota’s dominance at the Truck Rodeo, making it the third time in the past four years that a Toyota pickup has taken home the top honor, following the full-size Tundra’s victories in 2022 and 2024.
The Texas Auto Writers Association, a respected voice in the automotive journalism field, also recognized the Lexus GX 550 with the SUV of Texas award, further cementing Toyota’s family of vehicles’ reputation for excellence. During the rigorous media drive event, the Toyota Tacoma not only secured the top honor but also was named Midsize Truck of Texas, underscoring its segment-leading design and performance. Adding to Toyota’s trophy haul, the innovative Wireless Trailer Camera system received the Best Towing Technology award, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 was honored as the Best Driver Assist or Safety Feature, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to both capability and safety in their vehicles, especially in toyota trucks tacoma.
“For two decades, the Tacoma has reigned as the best-selling midsize pickup in the U.S., and being awarded Truck of Texas for the all-new model is a fantastic validation,” stated Dedra DeLilli, Toyota vice president – Vehicle Marketing and Communications. “We are incredibly proud that TAWA has recognized the exceptional qualities of the Tacoma, making it the first midsize truck to ever earn the prestigious Truck of Texas title, a segment typically dominated by full-size pickups.” This accolade speaks volumes about the advancements and appeal of the new generation toyota trucks tacoma.
Unveiled in Spring 2023, the redesigned Toyota Tacoma showcases significant enhancements, most notably with two new powertrains including the groundbreaking i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. This potent hybrid system delivers a combined output of up to 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb.-ft. of torque. This represents a remarkable 75 percent increase in torque compared to the previous generation’s V-6 engine, providing drivers of toyota trucks tacoma with enhanced power and efficiency. Conceived by Calty Design Research in California and meticulously engineered by TMNA R&D in Ann Arbor, with assembly for the North American market, the Tacoma offers an extensive lineup of 11 distinct grades. This wide variety ensures that there is a toyota trucks tacoma perfectly tailored to diverse lifestyles and the specific needs of each customer. For those seeking adventure, the new Trailhunter grade builds upon Toyota’s legendary off-road heritage, featuring purpose-built engineering and robust components designed for serious off-road and overlanding expeditions.
For ultimate off-road performance, the Baja-inspired TRD Pro introduces a segment-first innovation: the IsoDynamic Performance Seat. This advanced seating technology significantly enhances off-road driving control and comfort, allowing drivers of toyota trucks tacoma to tackle challenging terrains with greater confidence. Meanwhile, the first-ever Trailhunter grade stands out as a factory-developed overlanding rig, incorporating seamlessly integrated off-road equipment from renowned brands like ARB, Old Man Emu, and RIGID, making it a true adventure-ready toyota trucks tacoma straight from the factory.
TAWA’s annual Texas Truck Rodeo provides automotive journalists a unique platform to thoroughly evaluate the latest trucks and SUVs from various manufacturers. The rigorous event includes both challenging off-road courses and demanding street drives. The most recent fall event took place at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas. Vehicles were meticulously assessed based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including interior and exterior design, overall value, performance metrics, and personal appeal, ensuring that the Truck of Texas title is awarded to the most deserving vehicle, and this year, that vehicle is the toyota trucks tacoma.
“The Truck of Texas award is highly respected and fiercely contested, and the Toyota Tacoma has unequivocally earned this prestigious title,” stated TAWA President Cory Fourniquet. “Our members were particularly impressed by the Tacoma’s wide range of grades and its innovative new powertrains. The toyota trucks tacoma truly represents a new benchmark in the midsize truck segment.”
The Texas Auto Writers Association, a non-profit organization based in Texas, has been dedicated to promoting professionalism and journalistic excellence within the automotive industry for over two decades. TAWA has grown into one of the most influential and widely recognized 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 unparalleled opportunities to experience and evaluate vehicles from numerous manufacturers in a single location and timeframe.
For those seeking more in-depth information about the award-winning Toyota Tacoma and toyota trucks tacoma models, please visit the Toyota Newsroom.
