Tacoma First Midsized Pickup Named Truck of Texas
The all-new Toyota Tacoma makes history as the first midsize pickup to win Truck of Texas at TAWA’s Texas Truck Rodeo.
The all-new, fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma takes top honors as Truck of Texas at the Texas Auto Writers Association’s 2024 Texas Truck Rodeo.
Photo: Toyota
The all-new, fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma was awarded the title Truck of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) at their 31st annual Texas Truck Rodeo event. It is the first time a midsize pickup truck has earned Truck of Texas.
This also marks the third time in four years a Toyota pickup has taken the top award at the Truck Rodeo, with the full-size Tundra earning the honors in 2022 and 2024.
TAWA also voted on category and technical awards at the media drive event. Tacoma earned Midsize Truck of Texas, while the GX 550 is Midsize SUV of Texas. Toyota’s Wireless Trailer Camera received the Best Towing Technology award, and the Best Driver Assist or Safety Feature went to Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0.
“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.”
Digging into the Winning Truck of Texas
The new generation Tacoma debuted in the spring of 2023 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, a 75 percent increase in torque compared to the previous generation V-6 powered truck.
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 new Trailhunter grade builds upon Toyota’s legendary off-road and overlanding credibility with purpose-built engineering and robust components.
The Baja-inspired TRD Pro debuted the segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seat for enhanced off-road driving control and comfort, while the first-ever Trailhunter grade 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.
About the Truck of Texas Award
TAWA’s annual Texas Truck Rodeo brings 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 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.”
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 associates in the U.S. The group produces two annual events – Texas Auto Roundup and Texas Truck Rodeo – that allow members to experience vehicles from various manufacturers in one place, at one time.
More Vehicle Research
Rivian Layoffs Will Not Impact Production Workers, R2 Has Launched
Rivian announces layoffs, but production is not expected to be impacted as the electric vehicle manufacturer starts R2 SUV deliveries to customers. The company’s 2026 first-quarter net profit was down $87 million from the same quarter in 2025.
Read More →
Chevrolet Reveals Fleet-Focused 2027 Silverado 1500 With New V8 Engines and Updated Technology
The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 adds new V8 engines, updated technology, and a redesigned Work Truck model aimed at commercial and fleet customers.
Read More →
Clinton Aluminum Finds Success with Mack MD7, Plans All-Mack Fleet
After finding success with 17 Mack MD7 medium-duty leased trucks, Clinton Aluminum has now decided to convert its 34-vehicle fleet to an all-Mack fleet. Here is why.
Read More →
Toyota Alabama Celebrates 25 Years of Producing Tundra and Tacoma Powertrains
Toyota Alabama celebrates 25 years of producing Tundra and Tacoma powertrain components, surpassing 11 million engines built in Huntsville.
Read More →
Heavy-Duty Performance: Ram 2500 Walkthrough
The Ram Heavy Duty lineup is designed to support a wide range of fleet, utility, construction, and vocational applications while providing the technology operators expect from a modern truck. This walkaround video will explain the Ram 2500’s features and capabilities.
Read More →
All-New Mack Granite Cab Designed from Driver Input
Mack Trucks’ all-new Mack Granite will be available later in 2026 and features a driver-centric interior that was developed with input from more than 30 professional drivers through an unbiased clinic at Virginia Tech.
Read More →
Nissan Frontier Sport Edition: Off-Road Ready with Upgrades Available
Nissan’s 2027 Frontier Sport Edition gives customers off-road features, including all-terrain tires, an aluminum skid plate, fog lamps, and front accent lighting. Like every Frontier, it comes standard with Nissan's 3.8-liter V6.
Read More →
Hand-Painted Mack LR Models Unveiled During Trucks of Art Program in New York City
The New York City Department of Sanitation, in collaboration with its nonprofit partner the Sanitation Foundation, unveiled five new hand-painted Mack LR refuse vehicles during New York City’s Trucks of Art program.
Read More →
Ford Pro Extends 5-Year/100,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty to Ranger, Maverick and E-Transit
Ford Pro expands its 5-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty to the 2027 Ranger and E-Transit for eligible fleet buyers.
Read More →
Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?
Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.
Read More →