Toyota Tacoma Named Truck of Texas

Here in the High Desert, we take our pickup trucks seriously—not just for work, but also for play. There is a vast desert and a majestic mountain range right in our backyard. Where else do we take our pickup trucks for fun? The possibilities are endless.

If there is one place where the pickup truck rules everything, that would be the state of Texas. Folks there know their pickup trucks inside and out. They know how to get the most out of them before taking them into town for a night out. When they crown a “Truck of Texas,” you know that it’s a good pickup truck.

At the 31st annual Texas Truck Rodeo, the journalist members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) named the fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma as their Truck of Texas. The Tacoma became the first mid-size pickup truck to earn this accolade.

Who are these journalists? TAWA is a Texas-based nonprofit association for automotive journalists promoting professionalism and quality in journalism for more than two decades. TAWA has grown to become one of the most influential and recognized automotive journalist associations in the U.S.A.

TAWA’s annual Texas Truck Rodeo brought together journalists to evaluate automakers’ latest trucks and SUVs on an off-road course and a street drive. The fall event was held at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas. Vehicles from the world’s top manufacturers were evaluated on interior, exterior, value, performance, and personal appeal.

The new Tacoma earned its title for many reasons. It starts with two new powertrains, including the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, with a total system output of up to 326 horsepower and a whopping 465 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 75 percent increase in torque compared to the previous-generation V6-powered truck.

It is an American creation. Designed by Calty Design Research in California, engineered by TMNA R&D in Ann Arbor, and assembled for North America, Tacoma offers 11 unique grades to fit various lifestyles and customer needs. The Baja-inspired TRD Pro debuted the segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seat for enhanced off-road driving control and comfort. The Trailhunter is a factory-developed overlanding rig built from the ground up with the latest integrated off-road equipment from ARB, Old Man Emu, and RIGID.

This marks the third time in four years that a Toyota pickup has taken the top award at the Texas Truck Rodeo, with the full-size Tundra earning the honors in 2022 and 2024. In addition, TAWA also awarded Toyota’s Wireless Trailer Camera its Best Towing Technology award, and the Best Driver Assist or Safety Feature went to Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0.

The new Tacoma has been receiving its share of awards lately. The “Truck of Texas” is a huge deal for us. What’s good for Texas is good for us back in the High Desert. Contact us at Valley Hi Toyota to see the new Tacoma soon!