In a first - a midsize pickup has been named Truck of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). The honors go to the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, which won the crown after competing in the 31st Texas Truck Rodeo, an event that brings automotive journalists together to evaluate trucks and SUVs on an off-road course. TAWA handed out the award this week at the Houston Auto Show.
“The Truck of Texas award is prestigious and competitive, and the Tacoma has truly earned the title,” said TAWA President Cory Fourniquet. “The Tacoma impressed our members with its diverse grades and new powertrains.”
The latest-generation Tacoma debuted in 2023 with two new powertrains. The top-range i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain delivers up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, which is a 75 percent increase in torque compared to the previous generation V-6 powered truck.
“After being the most popular midsize pickup in the U.S. the last 20 years in a row, it’s great to see the all-new Tacoma be presented Truck of Texas,” said Dedra DeLilli, Toyota vice president – Vehicle Marketing and Communications. “We are honored that TAWA recognized the Tacoma as the first Truck of Texas from a segment other than full-size pickup.”
You can check out our reviews of the new Tacoma below:
- 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter Review →
- 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited Double Cab Review →
- 2024 Toyota Tacoma I-Force MAX Hybrid Review →
The Toyota win marks the third time in four years that Toyota has taken the top truck award at the Rodeo. The Tundra took home the trophy in both 2022 and 2024.
The Texas Truck Rodeo awarded it's other big title award, SUV of Texas, to the 2024 Lexus GX 550. Check out the complete list of category winners below:
- Sub-Compact SUV of Texas: Nissan Kicks SR
- Mid-Size SUV of Texas: Lexus GX 550
- Luxury SUV of Texas: Genesis GV80
- Off-Road SUV of Texas: INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster
- Electric SUV of Texas: Kia EV9
- Compact Truck of Texas: Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Mid-Size Truck of Texas: Toyota Tacoma
- Full-Size Truck of Texas: Ram 1500
- Heavy Duty Truck of Texas: Ram 2500 Rebel
- Luxury Truck of Texas: Ram 1500 Tungsten
- Off-Road Truck of Texas: INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster Fieldmaster
Special recognitions were also awarded in three categories:
- Best Towing Technology: Toyota’s Wireless Trailer Camera System
- Best Powertrain: Ram’s 3.0L Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo
- Best Driver Assist or Safety Feature: Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine.