(October 19, 2017) AUSTIN, Texas — The 2018 Ford F150 was named the 2018 Truck of Texas by The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) following the Texas Truck Rodeo in Dripping Springs, Texas, where 75 journalists evaluated and voted on the best in class vehicles in 21 categories.

Sixty-four vehicles, with a combined value of nearly $4 million were test driven and compared over a two-day period at Longhorn River Ranch just outside of Austin.

"With the new 2018 F-150, we're honored to earn back-to-back Truck of Texas awards for F-Series, a recognition that speaks to the truck team's dedication to our hard-working customers," said Raj Nair, executive vice president and president of North America. "That's especially true here in Texas - truck capital of the world.”

The 2018 Volvo XC60 was named the SUV of Texas and the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport was named the CUV of Texas.

The TAWA Truck Rodeo, presented by Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), was held in the scenic Texas Hill Country as vehicles were tested both on local streets and on off-road courses. TAWA members were able to get a full experience of the vehicles driving on rough terrain, climbing rocks, crossing creeks and dodging exotic wildlife.

Engineers from the competing manufacturers were on hand to answer questions from journalists about the vehicles and to aid in the evaluation process. Vehicles are measured on their interior, exterior, value, performance and personal appeal.

“The competition was incredibly fierce at this year’s Texas Truck Rodeo,” TAWA President Nic Phillips said. “More than 70 member journalists put in more 300 hours of driving time evaluating the vehicles presented. The results in several categories are separated by the narrowest of margins, just tenths, and hundredths of a point, confirming just how competitive the trucks and utility vehicles are today,” Phillips said.

“Ford’s 2018 F-150 Pickup, boosted by its extreme performance 2018 Raptor model along with updated EcoBoost engines and 10-speed transmissions, convinced our journalists to bestow the trophy,” he said. “Ram was the most overall awarded brand with five category wins, Mazda swept non-luxury CUVs, and Volvo’s all-new XC60 took CUV of Texas.”

The 2018 award categories and winning vehicles were:

Truck of Texas: 2018 Ford F150
SUV of Texas: 2018 Volvo XC60
CUV of Texas: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport
Heavy duty pickup truck: 2018 Ram 2500 Limited Tungsten
Best commercial vehicle: 2018 Nissan Titan King Cab SV
Luxury pickup truck: 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Southfork
Off-road pickup: 2017 Ford F150 Raptor
Full-size pickup: 2018 Nissan Titan Midnight Edition
Midsize pickup: 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Best technology: Nissan Pro Pilot
Best connectivity: Volvo XC60
Best powertrain: Volvo XC60
Off-road utility vehicle: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Recon
Sub-Compact SUV: 2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk
Compact SUV: 2018 Nissan Rogue Platinum
Mid-size Luxury SUV: 2018 Volvo XC60
Compact Luxury SUV: 2018 Infiniti QX30 Premium AWD
Full-size SUV: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT
Mid-size SUV: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
Compact SUV: 2018 Nissan Rogue Platinum
Full-size CUV: 2018 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring AWD
Mid-size CUV: 2017 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring GT
Compact CUV: 2018 Mazda CX3 Grand Touring FWD
Luxury CUV: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport