Your Savvy Trucks & Toys publishers, Steve and Beverly Smirnis, were among more than 70 journalists members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gathered in Dripping Springs, Texas, for the 26th annual Texas Truck Rodeo. 71 vehicles valued at nearly $4 million were evaluated side-by-side across 17 categories over a two-day period at the Longhorn River Ranch. The ranch provided the essential element in this competition—the ability to test a number of the vehicles off-road—climbing rocks, crossing creeks and dodging exotic wildlife.
In the end, the 2017 Ford Super Duty earned the 2017 “Truck of Texas” title. You’re likely to see this monumental award among the truck world touted in national ads by Ford. All-new high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy slashed the weight of the body. Some of that weight savings was then reinvested where it counts the most –stronger axles, beefier steering and chassis components, and an all-new fully boxed frame built of over 95% high-strength steel producing a frame that is 24 times stiffer than the previous frame. The result is a pickup that’s stronger than ever before, yet up to 350 pounds lighter.
TAWA journalists also voted Ford Motor Co. as the 2017 Truck Line of Texas, meaning Ford proved value and competitive advantages across its entire lineup entering the Texas Truck Rodeo event. Nissan was the most overall awarded brand with five category wins, including the 2017 Nissan Armada as the SUV of Texas. Volvo defended its title as CUV of Texas with the 2017 XC90.
The 2017 award categories and winning vehicles were:
Truck of Texas: 2017 Ford Super Duty
SUV of Texas: 2017 Nissan Armada
CUV of Texas: 2017 Volvo XC90
Truck line of Texas: Ford Motor Co.
Heavy duty pickup truck: 2017 Ford Super Duty
Best commercial vehicle: 2017 Nissan Titan XD Single Cab
Luxury pickup truck: 2017 RAM 1500
Off-road pickup: 2017 RAM 2500 Power Wagon
Full-size pickup: 2017 Nissan Titan
Midsize pickup: 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Best technology: Honda In-bed audio system
Best connectivity: FCA Uconnect Access
Best powertrain: 2017 Ford F-150 with 3.5 EcoBoost V-6 engine
Off-road utility vehicle: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Full-size luxury SUV: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Mid-size luxury SUV: 2017 Jaguar F-Pace
Full-size SUV: 2017 Nissan Armada
Mid-size SUV: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Compact SUV: 2017 Jeep Cherokee
Full-size CUV: 2016 Mazda CX-9
Mid-size CUV: 2016 Nissan Murano
Compact CUV: 2016 Jeep Renegade
