Congrats to the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Armada - the newly named 2026 Truck and SUV of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). The prestigious awards follow the 32nd annual Texas Truck Rodeo held last fall. Category winners were previously announced with the two main title awards handed down at the Houston Auto Show in January. TAWA says the awards spotlight vehicles that feel built for Texas life. The CarPro's Amy Plemons is a TAWA member and attended this year's competition held at an off-road course at Eagle Mountain Raceway in Decatur, TX.
2026 SUV of Texas
Nissan Armada PRO-4X
The all-new Nissan Armada PRO-4X took home TAWA's 2026 SUV of Texas award with TAWA citing its "size and presence".
"Powerful, confident and exceptionally refined, the Nissan Armada PRO-4X delivers the kind of capability, comfort and presence that Texas SUV buyers demand," said Cory Fourniquet, outgoing president, Texas Auto Writers Association. "It stood out as a complete package, making it a deserving winner of the 2026 SUV of Texas Award."
TAWA comments: One phrase kept coming to mind behind the wheel: “Super Large BEAST.” Armada makes its case with big-body comfort and real-world usability. It feels made for families, road trips, and heavy-duty weekends. The PRO-4X flavor adds an extra edge for drivers who want a tougher vibe. It still keeps the daily drive easy.
You can check out Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds' review of the Nissan Armada here →
2026 Truck of Texas
Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
The fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter earned the coveted Truck of Texas award. It's the Tacoma's second year in a row to win the title.
“Earning Truck of Texas honors for the second consecutive year underscores how the Toyota Tacoma continues to set the benchmark for durability, capability, and real-world performance as judged by the Texas Auto Writers Association,” said TAWA President Cory Fourniquet.
“It’s great to see Tacoma win the Truck of Texas again for the second year in a row. It caps a great 2025 with its best-selling year ever, continuing a run as the most popular midsize pickup in the U.S. the last 21 years in a row,” said Brock Cartlidge, senior manager of Toyota Vehicle Marketing and Communities. “We appreciate TAWA’s members recognizing the Tacoma as the first Truck of Texas from a segment other than full-size pickup.”
TAWA comments: This was the truck that impressed the most based on feel behind the wheel. Trailhunter leans into what Texas truck buyers ask for. It aims for capability without feeling like a chore to live with. It feels ready for trails, while staying comfortable for everyday miles.
You can check out Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds' review of the Tacoma Trailhunter here →
Photos: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine.