The 2021 Ram 1500 has won Truck of Texas bragging rights for the third year in a row.
Members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) ran 39 trucks and SUVs through their paces both on- and off-road at last month’s Texas Truck Rodeo, the organization’s signature event. The winners were live-streamed last week.
Operating out of Star Hill Ranch near Austin and practicing social distancing, mask-wearing and other safety protocols, TAWA members appraised the vehicle entries’ appeal, value, performance, interior and exterior. 2021 Ram trucks also won top honors in the luxury pickup, heavy-duty pickup, off-road and full-size pickup categories.
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The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat was named SUV of Texas while Toyota’s RAV4 TRD Off-Road was crowned CUV of Texas for the second consecutive year.
The full roster of 2020’s Truck Rodeo awardees:
• Truck of Texas: 2021 Ram 1500
• SUV of Texas: 2021 Dodge Durango
• Luxury SUV: Land Rover Defender 110SE
• Full-Size SUV: 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
• Mid-Size SUV: 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
• Compact SUV: 2021 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
• Off-Road SUV: 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
• Full-Size Pickup: 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
• Mid-Size Pickup: 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
• Off-Road Pickup: 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
• Luxury Pickup: 2021 Ram 1500
• Heavy Duty Pickup: 2020 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Laramie Night Edition
• Best Powertrain: FCA 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8
• Best Infotainment: FCA UConnect
• Best Safety or Driver Assist: Nissan ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link
• Best Towing Technology: Ram Heavy Duty 360-degree Surround View Camera
The Texas Auto Writers Association was founded in 1987 and the Texas Truck Rodeo was first held in 1993. This year, 13 automakers were represented at the event. Ford and GM did not participate.