Toyota Tacoma Makes History as Texas Truck of the Year 2025
Toyota Tacoma Named Truck of Texas
The newly unveiled fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma has been awarded the title of Truck of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) during its 31st annual Texas Truck Rodeo, held in January 2025. This remarkable event marks a significant milestone, as the Tacoma is the first mid-sized truck ever to win this award, typically dominated by full-sized trucks.
This recognition highlights Toyota's strong presence in the truck market, especially since this marks the third time in four years that a Toyota truck has received this esteemed honor. Previously, the Toyota Tundra earned the Truck of Texas title in both 2022 and 2024.
The Texas Truck Rodeo brings together automotive journalists to evaluate the latest trucks and SUVs from various manufacturers, assessing factors like interior space, exterior design, value, performance, and general appeal. The Tacoma stood out among tough competition, impressing TAWA members with its versatile qualities and new powertrains.
Not only did the Tacoma win the prestigious title, but it also captured the Texas Mid-Size Truck award, while the Lexus GX 550 simultaneously took home the Texas SUV of the Year award. Additionally, the Tacoma's wireless towing camera and Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 were recognized for their innovative features, respectively winning awards for Best Towing Technology and Best Safety or Driver Assistance Feature.
Powerful Performance and Innovative Design
Dedra DeLilli, the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Toyota, remarked, “After being the most popular mid-size truck in the U.S. for the last 20 years in a row, it’s fantastic to see the all-new Tacoma stepping up as the Truck of Texas.” The newly released Tacoma debuted in Spring 2023, equipped with two new powertrains, notably the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine. This innovative system provides an impressive 326 horsepower, along with a robust 465 lb-ft of torque, representing a 75% increase compared to the previous V6-powered model.
Designed by Calty Design Research in California and manufactured by TMNA RD in Ann Arbor, the Tacoma offers 11 unique trims to cater to various consumer lifestyles and needs. Among these, the Trailhunter model emphasizes Toyota's renowned off-road capabilitities, featuring specialized engineering and rugged components, while the TRD Pro model includes the first IsoDynamic Performance seat in its segment, enhancing comfort and control during off-road driving.
TAWA is a non-profit organization dedicated to automotive journalism, promoting professionalism and quality in the industry for over two decades. It conducts two major events annually—the Texas Auto Roundup and the Texas Truck Rodeo—allowing its members to experience different vehicle models from leading manufacturers all in one place.
The Truck of Texas award is not only prestigious but competitive, as indicated by TAWA President Cory Fourniquet: “The award carries significant weight, and the Tacoma has truly earned this title.” This recognition reinforces Toyota's legacy in the automotive world, particularly in the truck segment.
Looking Ahead
For those interested in learning more about the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and its groundbreaking features, detailed information and updates can be found at Toyota's official newsroom. Toyota has been a part of America's cultural fabric for over 70 years, aiming to drive sustainable mobility forward with a commitment to innovation and community engagement.
As electric vehicles gain traction, it's noteworthy that in 2025, Toyota's North Carolina plant is set to begin producing batteries for electric cars, further solidifying Toyota’s position as a leader in the automotive industry with a range of 31 electric vehicle options currently available.
In conclusion, the recognition awarded to the Toyota Tacoma as Truck of Texas underscores its excellence in performance, design, and innovation. With its historical win at the Texas Truck Rodeo, the Tacoma is set to remain a strong contender within the automotive landscape for years to come.