UPDATE: JANUARY 29, 2025
Toyota/Lexus claimed both of the top awards just announced at the Houston Auto Show



TAWA’s annual Texas Truck Rodeo brought our journalists together at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, last October on an off-road and street drive to put all of the vehicles to the ultimate test. TAWA journalists evaluated these vehicles from top manufacturers and voted on their interior, exterior, value, performance, and personal appeal.
TAWA journalists evaluated and voted on best-in-class vehicles for Truck and SUV of Texas along with ten sub-categories and three Special Recognition awards. The Category Winners were officially presented at the San Antonio Auto Show media preview last November. The winners moved forward for consideration in TAWA’s highest honors—SUV of Texas and Truck of Texas.
The 2024-2025 Category Winners Are:
CLICK ON PHOTOS TO READ
THE SAVVY DRIVERS’ COMMENTS
ABOUT EACH OF THE WINNERS
Photos by Kevin McCauley
LUXURY SUV OF TEXAS: Genesis GV80

COMPACT TRUCK OF TEXAS: Hyundai Santa Cruz

HEAVY DUTY TRUCK OF TEXAS: Ram 2500 Rebel

Special Recognition Awards:
- 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