Did you know Live From The Southside belongs to the Texas Auto Writers Association? Every year we attend the Texas Truck Rodeo to test drive the new trucks coming in for the new year. The 30th Annual Texas Truck Rodeo was held from October 27-29, 2019, hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).
The Sonesta Bee Cave Austin Hotel, located in Bee Cave about 69.03 miles northeast of San Antonio, served as the media base for the event. The actual driving and evaluations were held at the Star Hill Ranch, also in Bee Cave, a 25-acre event venue.
During the two-day event, 56 journalists tested and evaluated 54 SUVs and trucks, both on-and off-road, before casting their votes. The vehicles were tested for the strengths and weaknesses of their durability and features. The TAWA journalists used five criteria to reach their decisions- interior, exterior, performance, personal appeal and value.
The first Texas Truck Rodeo was held in 1993, featuring 27 competing trucks and SUVs, and since then, has took place in Dallas, Dripping Springs, Fort Worth, Granbury, Houston and San Antonio.
Since 1987, the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) has made its mission to “promote accuracy and quality in the automotive journalism field.” According to the TAWA website, they have “grown to become one of the most influential and recognized automotive journalist associations in the United States. Journalist members of the association are among the most respected in the country.” Aside from the Texas Truck Rodeo, the association also hosts the Texas Auto Roundup each spring, which is geared towards cars and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs).
Sponsors of the 2019 Texas Truck Rodeo include the Austin Auto Show, Big Tex Trailers, DFW Auto Show, Houston Auto Show, Katzkin Automotive Leather, Prestige Auto, San Antonio Auto & Truck Show and Wieck.
The award winners of the 2019 Texas Truck Rodeo were announced on November 20, 2019, at the opening gala of the San Antonio Auto & Truck Show, held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.
The RAM 1500 was named the Truck of Texas for the 2nd year in a row. The brand won every category it was entered into, taking home 8 awards. The 2020 RAM 1500 competed against the 2020 Jeep Gladiator and the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO. So, why did the TAWA journalists choose the RAM 1500? According to TAWA’s president, Michael Marrs, “Our journalist members were impressed with the continued capability and refinement in the Ram product line, particularly the 1500 compared to the domestic competitors at the event. They also were impressed by the level of luxury and value in the new Telluride. It delivers a lot of practicality and comfort for Texas families.”
Top 2 Award Winners:
Truck of Texas– 2020 RAM 1500
SUV of Texas– 2020 Kia Telluride
PICKUP TRUCKS
Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas– 2020 RAM 1500 Rebel
Mid-Size Pickup Truck of Texas– 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas– 2019 RAM 2500 Laramie Longhorn
Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas– 2020 RAM 1500 Limited
Off-Road Pickup Truck of Texas– 2019 RAM 2500 Power Wagon
Commercial Vehicle of Texas– 2019 Mercedes Sprinter Passenger 4X4
SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES
Full-Size SUV of Texas– 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Mid-Size SUV of Texas– 2020 Kia Telluride SX
Compact SUV of Texas– 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
Subcompact SUV of Texas– 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
Full-Size Luxury SUV of Texas– 2020 Lexus GX 460
Mid-Size Luxury SUV of Texas– 2020 Volvo XC90 Hybrid
Compact Luxury SUV of Texas– 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec
Off-Road SUV of Texas– 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
FEATURE AWARDS
Best Driver Assist System– Toyota Panoramic View & Multi-Terrain Monitor
Best Infotainment System– RAM Uconnect System & Touchscreen Display
Best Powertrain– RAM EcoDiesel
Best Safety Feature– Toyota Safety Sense P
Best Towing/Trailering Technology– RAM Rear Air Suspension
