Texas Auto Writers 2025 Texas Truck Rodeo Winners Announced

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), of which Amy Plemons and I are longtime members, gathered journalists, automakers, and industry professionals from across the country in late September for the 32nd annual Texas Truck Rodeo, held at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur. The event began with a “Great Texas Welcome Dinner” in nearby Denton, followed by a full day of on- and off-road testing that put dozens of new trucks and SUVs through their paces.

Each fall, the Texas Truck Rodeo gives automotive writers the opportunity to evaluate the latest pickups and sport-utility vehicles in categories that matter most to Texas buyers — capability, performance, technology, comfort, and value. Vehicles were tested on both pavement and dirt, including an expanded off-road course designed to challenge traction, suspension, and towing capability.  In the weeks to come, Amy will be bringing you info on some of the vehicles she drove while evaluating them.  See her coverage of the 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi Limited Longhorn here.

TAWA, a nonprofit organization founded in 1987, is composed of automotive journalists, broadcasters, and industry members who organize two major annual events — the Texas Truck Rodeo and the Texas Auto Roundup. The Rodeo’s awards have long carried weight with both automakers and consumers, with winners frequently featured in national marketing campaigns.

After a day of testing and evaluations, here are the winners TAWA members selected across a wide range of categories.

Compact SUV

Winner: 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD
Second: 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport (AWD)
Third: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line 4Motion

Mid-Size SUV

Winner: 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite
Second: 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Third: 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+

Full-Size SUV

Winner: 2025 Nissan Armada PRO-4X
Second: 2025 Lexus LX 700h Hybrid Overtrail
Third: 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak

Luxury SUV

Winner: 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD
Second: 2025 Lexus LX 700h Hybrid Overtrail
Third: 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+

Off-Road SUV

Winner: 2025 INEOS Grenadier Station Wagon Fieldmaster
Second: 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Third: 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite

Electric SUV

Winner: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy
Second: 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited 4xe

Mid-Size Pickup Truck

Winner: 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
Second: 2025 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X

Full-Size Pickup Truck

Winner: 2026 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 5.7L HEMI V-8 eTorque
Second: 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD Rally

Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck

Winner: 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock 6.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel

Luxury Pickup Truck

Winner: 2026 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 5.7L HEMI V-8 eTorque

Off-Road Pickup Truck

Winner: 2026 Ram 1500 RHO-High Output Hurricane 3.0L Twin Turbo
Second: 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
Third: 2025 INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster Fieldmaster

Best Powertrain

Winner: Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid AWD
Second: Lexus LX 700h Hybrid

The CR-V TrailSport’s fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system impressed evaluators with its balance of power and efficiency, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque while improving low-speed drivability and maintaining a 1,000-pound towing capacity.

The Texas Truck Rodeo remains a signature event for TAWA and a benchmark for manufacturers eager to prove their vehicles in the state that buys more trucks than any other.