Toyota Tacoma Achieves Historic Back-to-Back Wins at Texas Truck Rodeo

In a continuous triumph, the Toyota Tacoma has solidified its reputation as a premier midsize pickup, winning the prestigious title of Truck of Texas not only once, but for the second year running. This honor was bestowed upon the Tacoma at the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Annual Truck Rodeo, held in 2026. The fourth generation of the Tacoma had previously made history as the first midsize pickup to earn this title in 2025, adding another accolade to its expanding legacy.

The Significance of the Win

The success of the Tacoma at the TAWA event highlights its enduring popularity among consumers. With this recognition, it marks the fourth time in five years that a Toyota pickup truck has taken the top awards at the Truck Rodeo, showcasing the brand's strong hold in the market. Notably, the full-size Toyota Tundra also claimed the honor in 2022 and 2024. Brock Cartlidge, senior manager of Toyota Vehicle Marketing and Communities, expressed pride in the Tacoma's victory, reflecting on its remarkable sales performance in 2025, where it claimed the title of best-selling midsize pickup in the U.S.

Stellar Performance and Design

The latest Tacoma made its debut in the spring of 2023 and has been equipped with two robust powertrains, including the advanced i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. This option delivers an impressive total system output of 326 horsepower and a monumental 465 lb.-ft. of torque, a significant 75 percent increase from the previous generation’s V-6 model. Such enhancements underscore Toyota's commitment to delivering vehicles that meet modern standards of performance and environmental consciousness.

Designed by Calty Design Research in California and engineered by TMNA RD in Ann Arbor, the Tacoma is produced specifically for North American markets. It offers a staggering eleven unique grades tailored to cater to varying lifestyles and customer preferences. Among these is the Trailhunter grade, which builds upon Toyota’s esteemed reputation in off-road capability, engineered with robust components to tackle the toughest terrains.

The introduction of the Baja-inspired TRD Pro version features the segment’s first IsoDynamic Performance Seat. This innovative feature enhances driving control and comfort during off-road adventures, reinforcing the Tacoma’s place among serious off-road enthusiasts. Furthermore, the Trailhunter grade is equipped with a comprehensive suite of integrated off-road equipment sourced from industry leaders like ARB, Old Man Emu, and RIGID, ensuring every journey is both thrilling and secure.

TAWA's Influence and Events

TAWA is a nonprofit organization comprised of automotive journalists dedicated to promoting professionalism and quality in automotive journalism for over 20 years. Their Texas Truck Rodeo event allows members to extensively evaluate various trucks and SUVs, an essential opportunity to assess performance, value, and personal appeal in real-world conditions. The annual event is renowned for bringing together vehicles from the world's leading manufacturers, empowering journalists to provide thorough and informed reviews.

Cory Fourniquet, TAWA President, emphasized the importance of the Truck of Texas title, stating that securing it for two consecutive years demonstrates how the Toyota Tacoma continues to set new benchmarks in durability and capability. Winning such accolades not only highlights consumer preference but also acts as a testament to the hard work and innovation behind the Toyota brand.

Conclusion

The Toyota Tacoma's recent achievements, especially its consecutive Truck of Texas titles, reflect not only its engineering excellence but also its commitment to consumer needs and market trends. With a legacy steeped in reliability and performance, the Tacoma remains at the forefront of the midsize pickup category, securing its place in the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts and everyday users alike. As Toyota continues to innovate and refine its offerings, one can only anticipate greater feats from this celebrated truck in the future. For those eager to learn more about the Tacoma and its features, further details are available on the Toyota Newsroom.