From the State Fair of Texas to the Texas Truck Rodeo, it’s always a blast getting behind the wheel of the latest rides from Dodge, Ram, Nissan, Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and more. The trails never disappoint, and neither do the conversations in the paddock.
Even better, we get to catch up with so many of our automotive media friends. It’s part test drive, part reunion, and part reminder that the best trucks and SUVs are built for stories.
Here are our top five favorite rides from the 2025 Texas Truck Rodeo, ranked from “impressed us” to “we can’t stop thinking about it.”
#5: 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite
Honda usually wins with logic. This time, it won with personality and also won Best Mid-Size SUV.
The 2026 Passport TrailSport Elite is the first Honda in a while that hooked us inside and out. It has real character. The cabin surprised us most. The design looks bold, the seats are genuinely comfy, and it finally matches the “adventure” vibe Honda has been selling.
Honda also backed up the look with real hardware. The TrailSport setup brings reinforced steel skid plates, an off-road-tuned suspension, and all-terrain tires. The new TrailWatch camera system adds confidence when the trail gets tight.
It also feels ready for real life. The cabin has strong space for passengers and gear, plus a deep bench of accessories. We loved the return of the stowable picnic table, because it’s simple and smart.
Honda finally built an SUV with real attitude.
#4: 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited 4xe
This one is personal. It’s also the moment we first fell in love with the vehicle.
The Jeep Wagoneer S Limited 4xe has “big luxury” energy, yet it drives like a rocket. In Launch Edition form, it rips to 60 mph in about 3.7 seconds. That kind of shove changes your mood fast.
It also nails the interior experience. Materials feel upscale, stitching looks premium, and the available massage seats turn a long drive into a reward. Add the panoramic roof and the McIntosh audio, and it feels like a rolling lounge.
Tech plays a major role here, too. The screen layout feels modern, and the system stays easy to learn.
Most EVs feel clinical. This one feels special.
Check out our full review.
#3: 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+
We’ve always had a soft spot for Lexus comfort. The GX 550 Overtrail+ proves Lexus can bring luxury to the dirt without losing its manners.
The twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 delivers strong, smooth power, and it never feels stressed on the course. The Overtrail-focused setup adds serious off-road tools, including E-KDSS and trail-friendly wheels and tires. It grips, it crawls, and it stays composed when the terrain gets choppy.
What impressed us was the balance. It still feels like a Lexus on pavement, even with all-terrain rubber underneath. Comfort mode can feel a bit soft, but Sport mode tightens things up nicely. You’ll notice some body roll if you push hard, yet it feels planted where it counts.
The Overtrail+ trim also brings real comfort perks. The front seats can offer a massage, and the cabin feels high-quality without trying too hard. It also tows like a champ, which makes it more than a weekend toy.
It’s rugged luxury done right.
#2: 2025 Nissan Armada PRO-4X
This one shocked us, in the best way. We walked in expecting a “big Nissan SUV.” We walked out wanting it in our garage as it won Best Full-Size SUV.
The 2025 Armada PRO-4X feels massive in size, but it drives with more control than you’d expect. It brings serious curb presence, especially with the PRO-4X stance and trail-ready look. It also brings legit capability with skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential.
The numbers help explain the confidence. The approach, breakover, and departure angles sit near the top of the class, and ground clearance stays competitive. Nissan also adds the kind of camera tech you actually use off-road, including unique views that help place the tires.
Then you step inside, and it flips the script. The interior is the surprise of the event. The seats are rich and supportive, the stitching pops, and the cabin looks more premium than we ever expected from Armada. Heated and ventilated front seats help. Second-row comfort feels like a real priority.
On the highway, it stays quiet and stable. The available air suspension plays a big role here. It rides smoother than many luxury-branded SUVs.
For road trips, it feels like a rolling command center. For trails, it feels ready to work.
#1: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
Toyota didn’t just redesign the 4Runner. Toyota reinvented it for people who actually leave the pavement.
The 2025 4Runner Trailhunter took the top spot because it feels purpose-built. It also looks incredible, especially with Trailhunter details and Everest colors. The new lines feel sharp, and the stance looks confident without trying too hard.
Underneath, the off-road gear matters. The i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbo hybrid delivers strong torque early, and the 8-speed automatic keeps it responsive. It feels quicker than any 4Runner we remember, and that’s not something we say often.
Toyota and ARB teamed up for real Trailhunter hardware. You get Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks with remote reservoirs, plus 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires. The package also adds rock rails and high-strength steel skid plates, which help it feel ready for rough miles.
We also loved the functional details. The high-mounted air intake brings cleaner air for the powertrain, and the turbo sound through the snorkel adds character. The onboard air compressor is a killer feature for anyone who actually airs down tires.
Inside, the cabin finally matches the mission. The bolstered SofTex seats feel sturdy and comfortable, and the tech feels modern. It drives solid on the road, stays quiet in the cabin, and still feels tough underneath.
This is the 4Runner glow-up we’ve been waiting for.
Honorable Mentions
2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak: A three-row chaos machine in the best way. That supercharger whine still hits like a movie soundtrack, and the power feels unreal.
Ram heavy-duty with the 6.7 Cummins and Warlock attitude: It was the biggest truck we drove at the event. Yet, it felt shockingly easy to place on the dirt. It rides better than you’d expect, and the torque never runs out.
The 2025 Texas Truck Rodeo delivered the perfect mix of comfort, capability, and personality. Some vehicles won with smart details, while others won with pure attitude.
Our top five proved one thing. The best rides don’t just handle the course—they make you want to plan your next trip the second you hand back the keys.
Houston Car Club & Cars Shows | West Houston Muscle 
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