Toyota Tacoma Wins Title of Truck of Texas at Annual Rodeo Event
Toyota Tacoma Triumphs as Truck of Texas
The acclaimed fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma has proudly earned the prestigious title of Truck of Texas, a recognition bestowed upon it by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) during their 31st annual Texas Truck Rodeo. This remarkable achievement is noteworthy as it marks the first instance a midsize pickup truck has secured this top honor, highlighting the Tacoma's exceptional performance and reputation in the competitive automotive market.
This accolade follows a significant history of Toyota's successes, as it represents the third time in the last four years that a Toyota truck has claimed this title at the Truck Rodeo. Previously, the full-size Toyota Tundra was recognized in both 2022 and 2024 for its outstanding qualities and capabilities.
At the same event, TAWA also honored the all-new Lexus GX 550 with the SUV of Texas title. The Tacoma further distinguished itself by earning the award for Midsize Truck of Texas, while the Lexus GX 550 was named Midsize SUV of Texas. Additionally, Toyota's innovative Wireless Trailer Camera won the award for Best Towing Technology, and its Safety Sense 3.0 system was recognized as the Best Driver Assist or Safety Feature.
Dedra DeLilli, Toyota's vice president of Vehicle Marketing and Communications, expressed her pride in the Tacoma’s recognition, stating, “After being the most popular midsize pickup in the U.S. for the last 20 years in a row, it is truly gratifying to see the all-new Tacoma presented with the title of Truck of Texas.” She added that it is an honor for TAWA to acknowledge the Tacoma as the first truck from the midsize category to win this accolade, typically dominated by full-size pickups.
The latest Tacoma made its debut in the spring of 2023, featuring two innovative powertrains, which include the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine offering an impressive total system output of up to 326 horsepower. This new powertrain also boasts a remarkable torque rating of 465 lb.-ft., signifying a notable 75% increase compared to the previous generation's V-6 engine.
Designed at Calty Design Research in California and engineered by TMNA RD in Ann Arbor, the Tacoma is assembled in North America and is available in 11 distinct grades to cater to a variety of lifestyles and customer preferences. The new Trailhunter grade particularly emphasizes Toyota's long-standing reputation for off-road capability, featuring robust components engineered for rugged terrains.
Moreover, the Baja-inspired TRD Pro variant introduces the segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seat, designed to enhance control and comfort during off-road driving. The all-new Trailhunter grade, a factory-developed version specifically tailored for overlanding, integrates the latest off-road equipment and endorsements from trusted names such as ARB and Old Man Emu.
The annual Texas Truck Rodeo serves as a gathering for automotive journalists to evaluate the latest trucks and SUVs from various manufacturers on challenging off-road courses and normal roadways. The most recent event took place at the Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, where vehicles were carefully assessed based on criteria such as interior design, exterior aesthetics, value-for-money, driving performance, and overall appeal.
Cory Fourniquet, the president of TAWA, remarked on the competitiveness of the Truck of Texas award, stating, “The Tacoma has truly earned this title through its diverse offerings and innovative powertrains.” TAWA, a nonprofit organization spotlighting the professionalism of automotive journalism in Texas for over two decades, continues to serve as a critical platform for industry evaluation and recognition.
By fostering events like the Texas Auto Roundup and the Texas Truck Rodeo, TAWA allows members to experience and appraise a broad range of vehicles from numerous manufacturers.
As Toyota continues to lead in the automotive market, the Tacoma symbolizes a blend of innovation, performance, and customer-focused design, embodying the brand's commitment to excellence and sustainability in mobility solutions. To learn more about the Toyota Tacoma, visit the Toyota Newsroom for updates and detailed information on this acclaimed vehicle.