Lexus is kicking off the new year with a prestigious award. The all-new, third-generation 2024 Lexus GX 550 has been named SUV of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). The award, announced at the Houston Auto Show, follows off- and on-road competition at the 31st Texas Truck Rodeo which took place last fall. It brings together automotive journalists who evaluate dozens of vehicles and vote on their interior, exterior, value, performance, and personal appeal.
As a TAWA member myself, I attended the event at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, where I got to experience the GX 550's off-road prowess first-hand. I tackled the trail in the first-ever GX Overtrail grade with Toyota Motor North America's Greg Thome. The GX 500 masterfully tackled obstacles powered by a 349 horsepower 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engine which also produced a fantastic 479 pound-feet of torque.
You can read my full write-up here.
Lexus had this to say about its SUV of Texas win:
“The GX 550 is a testament to the perfect blend of offroad capability and sophisticated luxury,” said Cynthia Tenhouse, vice president, Lexus marketing. “It’s breadth of choice across six grades offers drivers the durability and reliability they need in everyday life, while inspiring them to take their next adventure both on and off the trail.”
Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds reviews the 2024 GX 550 Overtrail on-road here. You can also check out my review of the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Luxury+ here.
The Texas Truck Rodeo awarded it's other big title award, Truck of Texas, to the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. 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 for technological advancements and features that enhance safety and performance:
- 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.
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