#USA #Plano #Toyota Tacoma #Truck of Texas #TAWA

Toyota Tacoma’s Historic Achievement

The Toyota Tacoma has made headlines once again by winning the title of 'Truck of Texas' for the second year in a row at the annual Texas Truck Rodeo, hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). This achievement is significant as it reflects the growing popularity and excellence of the Tacoma in a competitive market.

In 2025, the Tacoma achieved its best sales year ever, continuing its reign as the most popular mid-size pickup truck in the United States for the past 21 years. Brock Cartlidge, the senior manager of Marketing and Vehicle Communities at Toyota, expressed his excitement stating, "It is fantastic to see Tacoma win the Truck of Texas award again for the second consecutive year. We appreciate TAWA members recognizing Tacoma as the first mid-size truck to receive this title."

A Glimpse into the Fourth Generation Tacoma

The fourth generation of the Toyota Tacoma debuted in the spring of 2023, introducing two new powertrain options, one of which is the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system. This innovative system provides a total power output of up to 326 horsepower and an impressive torque figure of 465 lb-ft, marking a 75% increase in torque compared to the previous V-6 engine generation.

Designed by Calty Design Research in California and assembled for North American markets, the Tacoma comes in 11 unique configurations tailored to meet various customer lifestyles and needs. One standout variant is the Trailhunter, built on Toyota's legendary off-road credibility and equipped with specially engineered components for rugged terrains. The TRD Pro model, inspired by the Baja racing legacy, features a segment-first IsoDynamic Performance seat, enhancing control and comfort during off-road adventures.

The Texas Truck Rodeo Experience

The Texas Truck Rodeo is an annual event where journalists assess the latest pickups and SUVs from automotive manufacturers in various categories, testing capabilities both on and off-road. The latest event took place at the Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, where vehicles were judged based on their interior, exterior, value, performance, and public appeal.

Cory Fourniquet, president of TAWA, remarked, "Winning the Truck of Texas award for the second year in a row demonstrates how the Toyota Tacoma continues to be a benchmark in durability, capability, and real-world performance."

TAWA, a non-profit organization dedicated to automotive journalism for over two decades, has become a leading authority in the field. They conduct two yearly events, the Texas Auto Roundup and the Texas Truck Rodeo, allowing journalists to test vehicles from various manufacturers in one location on specific dates.

Looking Ahead

Toyota is deeply committed to the advancement of next-generation sustainable mobility through their brands, Toyota and Lexus. The company has nearly 64,000 employees in North America, contributing to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks across its 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, the North Carolina plant began assembling automotive batteries for electric vehicles, showcasing Toyota's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

For those interested in discovering more about the Toyota Tacoma or its various functionalities and features, further information can be found at the Toyota Newsroom.