Ram 1500 TRX Has Been Named “Texas Truck of the Year” At TxMPA Off-Road Invitational!

Since 2019, the Texas Motor Press Association (TxMPA) has been holding their Off-Road Invitational event where automotive industry journalists rate the best off-road vehicles the industry has to offer in a number of categories. So it was no surprise that several Stellantis vehicles were scored at the top of their class for the 2021 edition of the event.

Taking top honors as the “Texas Truck of the Year” and “High-Performance Truck of the Year” was the Ram 1500 TRX. The Ram 1500 TRX continues into the 2022 model year as the quickest, fastest, and most powerful mass-produced truck in the world. Designed bolt by bolt to significantly outperform every other truck straight from the factory, the Ram 1500 TRX has been tested to handle the most punishing conditions with extreme durability. Class-leading, uncompromising performance in the harshest environments is achieved in part through the 702-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V8 engine. Stratospheric power delivers a new level of performance: 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.5 seconds, the 1/4-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph, and a top speed of 118 mph.

“The challenging off-road trails were no problem for Ram 1500 TRX as it easily trekked over the roads with massive horsepower, multiple drive modes, and lofty ground clearance. It was so much fun to experience the truck conquer the trails. We all took notice of the wild animal roar exhaust note off in the distance,” said Bryan Grant, President of Texas Motor Press Association.  

The Jeep® brand also took home three top honors at the event. The Jeep Gladiator was named “Off-Road Truck of the Year”. Engineered from the ground up to be the most off-road capable Jeep truck ever, the Gladiator builds on an unmatched combination of rugged utility, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, clever functionality, and versatility. Powertrain options include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. Equipped with a versatile box, a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles and electronic lockers, Gladiator is one of the few midsize trucks to offer a 6-speed manual transmission in addition to an optional 8-speed automatic.

The all-new three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L took home “Full-Size SUV of the Year” honors. The newest iteration is designed and engineered to deliver an unmatched combination of even more legendary 4×4 capability, superior on-road refinement, premium styling and craftsmanship inside and out, and a host of advanced safety and technology features. For the first time ever a Grand Cherokee can be fitted with seating for 6 or 7 passengers.

Last but not least, the awesome Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 took home the “High-Performance SUV of the Year” trophy. Packed with 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque from its 6.4-liter HEMI® V8, full-time 4×4, functional hood scoop, a dual-mode performance exhaust, and a long list of premium features standard, including a sport steering wheel with shift paddles and leather-covered performance seats, the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 is the highest performing Wrangler ever. 

“Jeep brought an impressive lineup, especially the Jeep Wrangler 392. It’s very easy to fall in love with this Wrangler from the moment you fire up the HEMI® V8. The Sky One-Touch Power-Top made it super easy to enjoy the drive with the roof open or closed,” said Grant. “The new Jeep Grand Cherokee L with its luxurious interior, roomy three rows, incredible McIntosh stereo and an array of impressive technology features, is sure to win a big audience of buyers, and the Jeep Gladiator offers amazing off-road capabilities and the practicality of a truck, a win-win for Texas consumers.”

What do you think of the TxMPA’s top picks from the Stellantis portfolio? Let us know, in the comments below.