For mid-Hudson drivers looking for a Ram dealer near Poughkeepsie with a vast inventory that extends far beyond the Ram brand, make Ruge's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram your next stop on the hunt for a powerful truck.

We offer a wide array of pickups that include the 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn, which simply needs to be driven firsthand to understand its exceptional performance and capability. Making Car and Driver's "10Best" list for 2023, the Ram 1500 perfectly balances performance, strength, and innovation, and the Big Horn trim takes this dedication to the next level with a plethora of desirable features and innovations.

From exploring trails in Minnewaska State Park to swinging by one of our many beautiful historical sites, this pickup will take you there in style. The Ram 1500 is available in several trim options, but it is the Big Horn that truly stands out. This trim option offers just enough extras without pushing it into the $50k+ category. So, what makes this rugged workhorse so great? Let's take a look at the top six features that make the Big Horn ideal for Poughkeepsie drivers…

#1) The 3.6L V6 With eTorque

The Big Horn comes standard with a 3.6L V6 with eTorque. Mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Big Horn produces 305 horses and 273 lb-ft of torque. What does this mean? It means a towing capacity of 6,750 lbs, perfect for towing recreational vehicles. Considering how much there is to do in Poughkeepsie, a vehicle with a hefty towing capacity is a valuable investment.

With eTorque, the V6 offers supplemental torque from the start, giving you a faster and more consistent start every time. This is great when loaded with heavy cargo because the Big Horn is given the boost to sling around the added weight. Hit the road with an RV or load up some hiking gear and check out Mohonk Preserve with the family.

For an even bigger bump in capability, consider upgrading to the 5.7L HEMI V8, which increases your horsepower to a whopping 395. Torque is bumped as well, coming in at 410 lb-ft. The HEMI is also equipped with eTorque, which supplies a jolt of torque at take-off. The HEMI has a max towing of 12,750 lbs when properly equipped, opening up the road of possibilities whether you're looking to tow camping gear for a weekend in the wilderness or just have some challenging tasks to get done on the job site.

#2) Heated Side Mirrors

Winters in New York can get pretty cold, which is why having side mirrors with a heating feature is a fantastic tool to combat the dreaded iced-over mirror on those frigid mornings. Heating elements help remove ice and condensation build-up, providing a clear view. The mirrors are power-operated, letting you control their position from inside the cab, but the folding feature is manual.

Another great upgrade consideration is the add-on of the Power Trailer-Tow Mirrors. If you plan on towing, these mirrors will increase visibility, making the road a safer place for you and those around you on the road.

#3) Aerodynamic Air-Dams

The Big Horn is designed with both Active Front Air-Dams and Fixed Front Air-Dams, both of which serve a similar purpose. The purpose of an air-dam is to reduce drag by directing airflow in the desired direction. Air-dams can also positively impact fuel efficiency and, by default, help cool the engine. The Big Horn also includes Active Grille Shutters, which serve a similar purpose, tripling up on aerodynamic extras and fuel-efficient punch-ups.

#4) Extra Braking Enhancements

For some added safety measures, the Big Horn has been equipped with some nifty braking tech. One feature is Rain-Brake Support, which is a great feature for areas that receive excess rain. Rain-Brake Support is used when road conditions become wet and slippery. The system signals the brakes to add pressure to the calipers, which gently pushes the brake pads against the rotors. This allows the brake pads to shed the water build-up, maintaining improved friction.

When the roads become wet and water seeps into the brake system, friction is minimized. If the brakes don’t have optimal friction conditions, then braking won't be as efficient. Another braking system that comes standard on the Big Horn is the Ready-Alert Braking feature. This feature reads cues to determine if the driver will be making a sudden stop, which allows it a chance to prepare the brakes. This results in improved braking performance and added safety on the road.

#5) Ample Seating & Storage

The Ram 1500 has a few seating arrangements, larger thanks to the folding bench seats. The Big Horn comes standard with a folding 40/20/40 split bench seat in the front and a 40/60 split bench seat in the rear. However, for a bit more luxury, front bucket seats can be swapped in for the bench seat. This opens up the front but does take away some of the flexibility.

With a six-foot-four box and quad cab, the Big Horn is roomy and spacious, ideal for passengers and cargo. The Big Horn has a payload cap of 2,300 lbs and comes with a damping and locking tailgate. The damping feature makes opening and closing the tailgate easy and avoids that obnoxious drop that occurs from the weight of tailgates this big.

#6) Big Horn BackCountry Edition

The Big Horn gets a rugged makeover with the BackCountry Edition, which adds some cool upgrades for those Poughkeepsie drivers who want to explore more of the road less traveled. With the area's beautiful landscapes, choosing a vehicle like the Big Horn BackCountry will allow you to experience it to its fullest. From inside to outside, the BackCountry offers some adventurous additions.

For starters, the BackCountry Edition decks out the inside with durable vinyl seating and sturdy cloth to hold up to wear and tear. To protect the floors, Mopar rubber floor mats provide all-weather protection in the front and rear. Of course, the inside also wears the striking BackCountry badging, proudly showing off its unique styling.

Moving to the outside, the BackCountry receives some extra special badging there as well. Black Ram and BackCountry badging fit the rugged theme and go along with the coordinating exhaust tips and mirror caps. Even the headlamps' trim is tied in, creating a cohesive look. The grille is blacked out with a unique mesh design and fades into the exterior with a body-colored surround. The wheels are coated black to match the other exterior accents, while the wheels sport white lettering to stand out.

Transitioning from just looks, the BackCountry features black tow hooks, acting as both a statement and a functional feature. Bash plates are added to protect important truck components, while heavy-duty off-road shocks cushion the cabin from bumps and bruises. A Mopar brand Deployable Bed Step and Mopar tubular steps are a few more add-ons that complete the look and add extra off-road enhancements.

One of the other off-road additions is an E-locker for the rear axle. Electronically locking the rear axle allows forced traction to the rear in the case of varying terrain. This is especially great for rocky and low-grip environments.

Grab Ahold of the Big Horn Today

The Big Horn is an excellent pickup, offering plenty of features to make life an adventure. Whether you are checking out a local restaurant on a rainy day or heading out to explore the great outdoors, the Big Horn is sure to get you there safely and with plenty of Ram style to match.

With so many great options, it is difficult not to see the appeal of the Ram 1500 Big Horn, and these notable features just scratch the surface. An advanced infotainment center, plenty of safety features, and a bunch of luxury comforts make the Big Horn a truck worth exploring. Plus, with the BackCountry Edition, even hardcore off-roaders have something to smile about.

The 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn is an affordable pickup that offers plenty for the Poughkeepsie driver. Come in today and experience this exceptional Ram truck for yourself.