The Toyota Tacoma just pulled off something no midsize truck has ever done—snatching the Truck of Texas title at the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Texas Truck Rodeo. That’s right, the little truck that could just bodyslammed the full-size competition and walked away with the championship belt, cowboy hat and all.
Every year, TAWA members put dozens of trucks and SUVs through their paces in the rugged Texas terrain. The Tacoma wasn’t just a contender—it was the underdog that took down the Goliaths of the pickup world. That’s like a high school wrestler suplexing a pro. And Toyota isn’t new to this victory lap—this is the third time in four years that one of their trucks has taken the top spot.
Why the Tacoma Won
It wasn’t just luck (or some secret barbecue bribe). The Toyota Tacoma has been a top choice for midsize truck buyers for nearly two decades, and this win solidifies its dominance in the segment. So, what makes the Tacoma the Chuck Norris of midsize pickups?
- Off-Road Capability – It eats dirt trails for breakfast, thanks to a tough suspension and available Multi-Terrain Select system.
- Bulletproof Reliability – If the apocalypse happens, chances are, the last thing standing will be a Tacoma and some cockroaches.
- New Powertrain Options – Toyota is rolling out new hybrid powertrains, making sure the Tacoma keeps up with the times (without losing its off-road grit).
- Resale Value – Your Tacoma might be the only thing that gains value over time, next to vintage baseball cards and gold bars.
A Winning Streak for Toyota Trucks
This isn’t Toyota’s first rodeo—literally. The Toyota Tundra took home the Truck of Texas title in 2022 and 2024, meaning Toyota’s full-size and midsize trucks have a monopoly on Texas-sized bragging rights.
Dedra DeLilli, Toyota’s VP of Vehicle Marketing and Communications, couldn’t hide her excitement (or relief) when she accepted the award. “We’re honored that the Texas Auto Writers Association recognizes what our customers have known for years—the Tacoma is built for adventure, dependability, and, most importantly, fun.” Translation: Toyota engineers might be celebrating with some victory tacos.
Oh, and if that weren’t enough, Toyota’s luxury cousin, the Lexus GX 550, took home the ‘SUV of Texas’ title. Because, apparently, Toyota doesn’t like to leave trophies for anyone else.
What the Texas Truck Rodeo is All About
For those picturing actual bulls and mechanical bucking Broncos (wrong brand, folks), the Texas Truck Rodeo is an annual showdown where automotive journalists put the industry’s best trucks and SUVs through real-world challenges. They test power, durability, handling, and whether a truck can still make it to Whataburger after a muddy trail run.
To win this title, a truck has to excel in performance, interior comfort, technology, and capability. Think of it as the Olympics for trucks—except instead of gold medals, they get to flex their suspension systems on Texas backroads.
