Ram Roars in Texas: Brand Earns Four Major Titles at 2025 Texas Truck Rodeo, Cementing Dominance

In the heart of truck country, where capability is king and brand loyalty runs deep, the annual Texas Truck Rodeo stands as a crucial battleground. Hosted by the respected Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), this event isn't just a friendly gathering; it's a rigorous, real-world gauntlet designed to push the latest pickups and SUVs to their limits. For automakers, earning a coveted "Truck of Texas" title here is more than just an accolade – it's a powerful validation in the most demanding truck market in the nation.

This year, one brand didn't just compete; it dominated. Ram Brand Earns Four Major Titles at 2025 Texas Truck Rodeo, continuing an impressive winning streak and showcasing the depth and breadth of its award-winning lineup. After intensive on- and off-road evaluations by seasoned automotive journalists, Ram trucks were recognized for their exceptional performance, capability, luxury, value, and innovation.

The impressive haul includes prestigious category wins for the iconic Ram 1500, the powerhouse Ram Heavy Duty, and the thrilling new Ram 1500 RHO. This comprehensive victory underscores Ram's unwavering commitment to building trucks that not only meet but exceed the high expectations of Texas drivers and truck buyers across the country. Let's dive deep into Ram's triumphant performance and explore why these wins matter.

The Proving Ground: Why the Texas Truck Rodeo Matters

Before celebrating the winners, it's essential to understand the significance of the Texas Truck Rodeo. Founded in 1987, the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) is one of the most reputable automotive media organizations in the industry. Its members, experienced journalists from across the state, gather annually for this unique event.

Unlike static auto shows, the Rodeo is a hands-on evaluation. Trucks and SUVs aren't just admired under bright lights; they are driven, tested, and pushed on demanding courses that simulate real-world conditions Texans face daily. This includes:

On-Road Evaluation: Assessing ride comfort, handling, powertrain performance, technology integration, and overall refinement during typical driving scenarios.
Off-Road Challenges: Testing capability, suspension articulation, traction systems, and durability on rugged terrain, often at specialized facilities like Eagles Canyon Raceway’s off-road campus, used in this year's event.

Vehicles are judged comprehensively on performance, value, technology, and capability. Winning a category here means a vehicle has truly impressed seasoned experts in the environment where it matters most. As TAWA President Cory Fourniquet stated, "Ram trucks once again proved their strength, refinement and versatility in the toughest conditions. These wins reflect Ram’s dedication to building trucks that meet the demands of Texas drivers and beyond."

Ram 1500: The Reigning Champion Continues its Dynasty

The cornerstone of Ram's success, the Ram 1500, once again proved its mettle, securing two highly coveted titles that speak to its incredible versatility.

1. Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas (8th Consecutive Year) Winning this title once is an achievement. Winning it for eight consecutive years is a statement of undeniable dominance. The 2026 Ram 1500, specifically the luxurious Limited Longhorn model evaluated, demonstrated why it remains the benchmark in this fiercely competitive segment.

Key factors contributing to this win likely include:

Superior Ride and Handling: Ram's segment-exclusive multi-link rear suspension (often paired with available active-level air suspension) continues to set the standard for comfort and control, whether the truck is empty or loaded.
Powertrain Excellence: The evaluated model featured the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 with eTorque, a legendary powertrain whose return for the 2026 model year was met with enthusiasm. This engine provides ample power and torque, smoothly delivered through the refined transmission, likely impressing judges with its real-world performance.
Overall Capability and Refinement: The Ram 1500 seamlessly blends workhorse capability with a quiet, comfortable cabin and user-friendly technology, making it an exceptional all-around vehicle.

2. Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas (10th Consecutive Year) Even more impressive is the Ram 1500's decade-long reign as the Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas. This award highlights Ram's pioneering role in transforming the pickup truck from a purely utilitarian vehicle into a sophisticated, comfortable, and technologically advanced machine that rivals premium sedans.

The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn is a masterclass in truck luxury:

Bespoke Southwest-Inspired Interior: The Longhorn trim is renowned for its authentic details, featuring premium materials like real wood, full-grain leather, intricate stitching, and metal accents that create a unique and upscale atmosphere.
Advanced Technology: Equipped with the latest Uconnect infotainment system, large touchscreens, premium sound systems, and a suite of driver-assistance features, the Ram 1500 offers a cutting-edge technological experience.
Uncompromising Comfort: Features like heated and ventilated seats, ample cabin space, and the aforementioned smooth ride quality ensure that long drives are a pleasure, not a chore.

Winning both the overall Full-Size and the Luxury titles demonstrates the Ram 1500's exceptional bandwidth – it's tough enough for the ranch and refined enough for a night out in the city, a combination that clearly resonates with Texas buyers.

Ram 1500 RHO: Unleashing Off-Road Thrills and Value

While the Ram 1500 TRX previously dominated the high-performance off-road scene, its departure left big shoes to fill. Stepping up to the challenge is the all-new 2026 Ram 1500 RHO, and it made a thunderous debut at the Rodeo, capturing the title of Off-Road Pickup Truck of Texas.

The RHO impressed the TAWA judges with its combination of potent performance, advanced off-road hardware, and a compelling value proposition.

Hurricane Power: At the heart of the RHO is the High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo engine. While specific horsepower figures weren't mentioned in this release for the RHO, this engine family is known for delivering V8-like power with greater efficiency. This potent engine likely provided thrilling acceleration on and off the pavement.
"More Horsepower Per Dollar": Ram positions the RHO as offering more horsepower per dollar than any other off-road truck. This focus on value, combined with its high performance, makes it an attractive option for enthusiasts seeking extreme capability without the absolute top-tier price tag of its predecessor.
Visceral Driving Experience: The RHO tested at the Rodeo was equipped with the new Direct Connection MagnaFlow exhaust. This performance exhaust system undoubtedly amplified the sound and character of the Hurricane engine, adding an auditory thrill that complements the truck's aggressive looks and formidable capabilities, making the off-road testing at Eagles Canyon Raceway even more memorable for the judges.
Purpose-Built Off-Road Hardware: Although not detailed in this release, the RHO builds on Ram's off-road expertise, likely featuring specialized suspension (similar to the TRX), robust underbody protection, aggressive tires, and advanced off-road driving modes.

The RHO's victory proves that Ram remains a dominant force in the high-performance off-road segment, offering a compelling blend of power, capability, and value.

Ram Heavy Duty Warlock: Bringing Off-Road Style and Capability to the Masses

Ram also extended its winning ways into the heavy-duty segment, with the all-new 2026 Ram Heavy Duty Warlock securing the title of Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas. This marks the first time the popular Warlock trim has been offered on the Ram Heavy Duty lineup, and its immediate success at the Rodeo highlights a smart strategic move by the brand.

The Warlock formula focuses on delivering standout style and enhanced capability at an accessible price point.

Entry-Level Off-Road Appeal: The Warlock serves as Ram's new entry-level off-road offering for the three-quarter-ton (2500) and one-ton (3500) segments. It provides customers with rugged aesthetics and useful off-road features without requiring them to step up to more expensive, hardcore trims.
Exceptional Value: With a starting price confirmed at $57,165 (including destination), the Heavy Duty Warlock offers a compelling package for buyers who want a capable and stylish heavy-duty truck that doesn't break the bank. This value proposition was likely a key factor for the TAWA judges.
Cummins Power: The evaluated model featured the legendary 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, renowned for its immense torque (Ram HD holds the segment-first 1,000 lb.-ft benchmark) and proven reliability, ensuring it has the muscle to back up its rugged looks.
Standout Style: The Warlock trim typically includes blacked-out exterior accents, unique graphics, and upgraded wheels and tires, giving it a more aggressive and customized appearance straight from the factory.

Winning the Heavy Duty category with a brand-new, value-focused trim demonstrates Ram's keen understanding of the market, offering capability and style at a price point that resonates strongly with hardworking Texans.

What These Wins Mean for the Ram Brand

Securing four major titles at the prestigious Texas Truck Rodeo is a significant achievement that reinforces the Ram Brand's key messages and market position.

Validation of Core Strengths: These awards validate Ram's claimed benchmarks: the most luxurious interiors (Ram 1500 Tungsten mentioned, Longhorn awarded), best ride and handling (segment-exclusive suspension), powerful and efficient powertrains (HEMI return, Hurricane, Cummins), and segment-leading capability (Power Wagon, HD torque).
Texas Tough, Texas Approved: Winning in Texas carries immense weight. It confirms that Ram trucks are built to withstand the demanding conditions and meet the high expectations of buyers in the nation's largest truck market.
Momentum Across the Lineup: Victories spanning the light-duty 1500 (both luxury and off-road performance) and the Heavy Duty segments showcase the brand's strength and innovation across its entire portfolio.
Reinforcing Brand Strategy: The wins align with Ram's focus on growing segments like Sport trucks (with the RHO) and strengthening its Ram Professional commercial offerings by demonstrating the capability and value inherent in models like the HD Warlock.
Marketing Power: Expect to see Ram heavily promote these "Truck of Texas" titles in its advertising, particularly in Texas and surrounding states. These third-party endorsements are powerful tools for influencing potential buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Texas Truck Rodeo? The Texas Truck Rodeo is an annual vehicle evaluation event hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). Automotive journalists rigorously test the latest pickup trucks and SUVs on- and off-road to determine the best vehicles in various categories, bestowing the prestigious "Truck of Texas" titles.

2. Which Ram models won awards at the 2025 Texas Truck Rodeo?

Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn: Won both "Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas" (8th consecutive year) and "Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas" (10th consecutive year).
Ram 1500 RHO: Won "Off-Road Pickup Truck of Texas."
Ram Heavy Duty Warlock: Won "Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas."

3. Is the HEMI V8 really back in the Ram 1500?

Yes, the press release confirms that the evaluated Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn featured the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with eTorque. Ram reintroduced this engine option for the 2026 model year alongside the Hurricane engine lineup, giving customers more powertrain choices.

4. What is the Ram 1500 RHO?

The Ram 1500 RHO is a new high-performance off-road variant of the Ram 1500, effectively replacing the previous TRX model. It features the High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo engine and is positioned as offering more horsepower per dollar than competitors.

5. What is the Ram Heavy Duty Warlock?

The Warlock is a new trim level for the 2026 Ram Heavy Duty (2500/3500) lineup. It serves as an entry-level off-road package, offering aggressive styling and enhanced capability at a value-oriented starting price of just over $57,000.

Conclusion: Ram's Reign in Texas Continues Unabated

The results from the 2025 Texas Truck Rodeo leave no room for doubt: Ram Brand Earns Four Major Titles, demonstrating a continued mastery of the pickup truck formula that resonates deeply with both critics and consumers, especially in the demanding Texas market. From the decade-long dominance of the Ram 1500 in luxury to its eighth consecutive win as the best overall full-size truck, and bolstered by the exciting debuts of the high-value RHO and the ruggedly accessible HD Warlock, Ram showcased strength across the board.

These victories are more than just trophies on a shelf. They are a powerful endorsement from seasoned experts, earned through rigorous testing in real-world conditions. They validate Ram's commitment to innovation, refinement, capability, and delivering value where it counts. As the truck market continues to evolve, Ram's performance at the Texas Truck Rodeo proves that it not only understands the needs of modern truck buyers but continues to set the benchmark for others to follow. For Ram, the road ahead looks wide open, paved with power, performance, and the undeniable respect of truck country.