Toyota Tacoma Named Truck of Texas Again by Texas Auto Writers

Toyota Tacoma was named Truck of Texas for a second year by the Texas Auto Writers Association after testing at the annual Texas Truck Rodeo. Read the full story.

Toyota Tacoma has once again reinforced its position in the U.S. pickup market, earning the Truck of Texas title for the second consecutive year. The award, presented by the Texas Auto Writers Association, was announced on January 28, 2026, marking a rare back-to-back victory for a midsize pickup.

The decision follows the results of the annual Texas Truck Rodeo, held in September 2025 at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Texas. During the event, automotive journalists evaluated the latest trucks and SUVs through a combination of on-road driving and off-road testing before submitting their final ballots based on real-world impressions.

Earlier in the year, the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter was named the winner in the Mid-Size Pickup Truck category, before ultimately securing the overall Truck of Texas honor. According to TAWA representatives, the Tacoma stood out for its confidence behind the wheel, off-road capability, and its balance between trail readiness and everyday usability.

The award comes amid a strong commercial performance for the model. In 2025, Toyota sold 274,638 Tacoma units in the United States, a significant increase over the previous year. The result placed Tacoma well ahead of its main midsize pickup competitors and highlighted its continued dominance within the segment.

The current generation of the Tacoma features a new range of powertrains, including the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system, delivering up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Toyota notes that this represents roughly a 75 percent increase in torque compared with the previous V6-powered generation, a factor that played an important role in its evaluation at the Truck Rodeo.

Securing the Truck of Texas title for a second year in a row underscores Tacoma’s strong standing among both journalists and buyers. Supported by rising sales and positive assessments of its real-world performance, the model appears well positioned to remain a benchmark in the midsize pickup segment in the years ahead.