The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) has crowned the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter its official Truck of Texas for 2026.
Following exhaustive testing on both asphalt and off-road trails, the Tacoma Trailhunter emerged victorious during the annual TAWA Truck Rodeo.
It means the fourth-generation Tacoma pickup has become a back-to-back winner in the Truck of Texas contest, having defended its crown from the 2025 event.
More impressively, Toyota pickup trucks have now claimed the prestigious award four times in the last five years.
In both 2022 and 2024, the full-size Toyota Tundra took home the top prize.
Built for off-road performance
Developed especially with off-road action in mind, the Tacoma Trailhunter boasts an array of specialist equipment. This includes Old Man Emu forged monotube position-sensitive shock absorbers, 33-inch off-road tires, and an ARB steel rear bumper with tow hooks.
Powering the Tacoma is Toyota’s latest i-Force Max hybrid drivetrain, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine. A total output of 323 horsepower, along with 465 lb-ft of torque, is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Designed by Calty Design Research in California, and manufactured by Toyota in Mexico, the Tundra Trailhunter impressed the TAWA judges again for 2026.
“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 outgoing TAWA president, Cory Fourniquet.
Nissan Armada Pro-4X wins SUV of Texas
The Texas Truck Rodeo saw a double victory for Japanese brands, with the Nissan Armada Pro-4X taking home the silverware as the official SUV of Texas for 2026.
Described as a “super large beast” by the judging panel, the full-size Nissan Armada features a twin-turbocharged V-6 that delivers 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Adaptive air suspension, an electronic locking rear differential, sturdy underbody protection, and off-road-tires are all part of Pro-4X trim, along with special red exterior badging.
“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.
“It stood out as a complete package, making it a deserving winner of the 2026 SUV of Texas Award.”
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