Congrats to Genesis, Hyundai, newcomer INEOS, Kia, Lexus, Nissan, Ram and Toyota! They're all award-winners in the 31st Annual Texas Truck Rodeo, hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). The event was held at Eagles Canyon Raceway n Decatur, Texas, in September.
This year's Rodeo brought together 41 journalists, including CarPro Executive Producer and TAWA member Amy Plemons, to evaluate 28 vehicles across 14 categories. Category winners were recently announced, but the two title awards, Truck of Texas and SUV of Texas will be named in January.
“We’re thrilled by the exceptional turnout and enthusiasm at this year’s Texas Truck Rodeo,” said Cory Fourniquet, President of TAWA. “The awards highlight the innovation and excellence that manufacturers bring to the automotive landscape, and we’re proud to recognize their contributions to the truck and SUV market.”
2024-2025 Category Winners:
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Sub-Compact SUV of Texas: Nissan Kicks SR
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Mid-Size SUV of Texas: Lexus GX 550
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Luxury SUV of Texas: Genesis GV80
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Off-Road SUV of Texas: INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster
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Electric SUV of Texas: Kia EV9
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Compact Truck of Texas: Hyundai Santa Cruz
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Mid-Size Truck of Texas: Toyota Tacoma
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Full-Size Truck of Texas: Ram 1500
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Heavy Duty Truck of Texas: Ram 2500 Rebel
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Luxury Truck of Texas: Ram 1500 Tungsten
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Off-Road Truck of Texas: INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster Fieldmaster
These winners will move forward for consideration of TAWA’s highest honors—SUV of Texas and Truck of Texas—to be announced at the Houston Auto Show in January 2025.
Special Recognition Awards:
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Best Towing Technology: Toyota’s Wireless Trailer Camera System
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Best Powertrain: Ram’s 3.0L Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo
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Best Driver Assist or Safety Feature: Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0
Click on the links below for coverage of the event:
- Toyota's new factory-installed wireless trailer camera system →
- Read more about the first-ever Ram 1500 Tungsten here →
- Read more about the 2025 Ram 1500 Limited here →
- Off-roading in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Final Edition →
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing The Machine.