What Car Does Chris Stapleton Drive? A Comprehensive Look at the Country Crooner‘s Wheels
As an expert on celebrity car culture, I’m excited to provide you with an in-depth look at the vehicles driven by country superstar Chris Stapleton. From his cherished vintage El Camino to his family-hauling SUV, Stapleton’s small fleet of cars and trucks provide special insight into his musical legacy. Let’s pop the hood and explore the key rides of this Kentucky-born singer-songwriter.
1966 Chevrolet El Camino – Stapleton‘s Signature Ride
Without a doubt, Stapleton’s most prized vehicle is his 1966 Chevrolet El Camino pickup truck. He’s said, “it’s my favorite car to drive when I‘m back home in Nashville." This classic El Camino is iconic in its own right, but let‘s look at some key specs and custom details:
- 350 cubic inch Chevrolet small block V8 engine outputting approximately 300 horsepower
- Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 3-speed automatic transmission for smooth, easy shifting
- Custom woodgrain exterior paneling along the sides for a retro flair
- Upgraded suspension with lowered rear end to improve handling and stance
- Dual exhaust system with Flowmaster 40 series Delta Flow mufflers that produce the signature rumbling idle
In fact, Stapleton has mentioned he specifically asked for the Flowmasters to get that distinctive throaty V8 rumble. When cruising around Tennessee backroads, he can enjoy the mellow burble at low speeds or aggressive roar when he drops the hammer.
Beyond the mechanical upgrades, the El Camino symbolizes Stapleton‘s roots and musical identity. The vintage styling reflects the timeless, authentic quality of his songwriting. Just as he sticks to his traditional country sound, he cherishes the simple purity of his un restored El Camino. This rustic truck epitomizes Stapleton‘s mix of old-school charm and modern edge.
2019 Ram 1500 – Stapleton‘s Pickup of Choice
In addition to his classic El Camino, Stapleton has been spotted behind the wheel of a 2019 Ram 1500 pickup truck. This 5th generation Ram 1500 packs plenty of capability and luxury appointments perfect for a country chart-topper. Let‘s look at some key specs on Stapleton‘s Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn edition:
- Crew cab body style with 4 full-size doors
- 5.7 liter Hemi V8 engine generating 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft torque
- 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission with manual shift mode
- Two- or four-wheel drive modes with low range gearing for off-road
- Uconnect 12-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in navigation
- Heated and ventilated leather front seats with memory and power adjustments
- Panoramic sunroof for bright, open-air driving
“I love driving my Ram 1500,” Stapleton shared. “It‘s got the perfect combination of strength, luxury and country soul."
With its responsive V8 power, high-end tech features and available air suspension, Stapleton‘s Ram 1500 serves as the ideal modern country lifestyle pickup. In fact, Ram truck sales have surged over 30% as of 2020 due to endorsements from celebrities like Stapleton according to J.D. Power. With over 702,000 Ram 1500s sold in 2020 alone, it‘s clear this pickup hits the sweet spot for country stars and fans.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara – Capable 4×4 for Adventure
Stapleton has an adventurous spirit and loves getting off the beaten path in nature. For exploring remote backroads and trails, he relies on a highly customized Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara:
- Quadra-Lift air suspension adjustable up to 10 inches for max ground clearance
- LT285/70R17 off-road tires mounted on 17-inch wheels
- 4:1 Selec-Trac low-range gearing for incredible traction at low speeds
- Steel front and rear rubicon bumpers with 12,000 lb winch for self recovery
- Rock rails and steel skid plates to protect vital components from scrapes and dings
- Cold air intake and cat-back exhaust to boost horsepower of the 6.4L V8 to well over 400 hp
“I outfitted my Jeep to go anywhere I feel like roaming,” shared Stapleton. “Getting away from city life out in nature is good for my soul.”
The Wrangler Unlimited Sahara’s formidable off-road enhancements allow Stapleton to reach remote camping spots and find inspiration for new songs surrounded by the serenity of nature.
GMC Yukon XL Denali – Family-Friendly SUV
With his wife and five kids, Stapleton needs an SUV with generous passenger room and cargo capacity. For family outings and shuttling kids to school and activities, he opts for the GMC Yukon XL Denali:
- Massive interior with 3 rows of seating for up to 8 passengers
- Power-folding 3rd row seats to maximize cargo room
- 420 horsepower 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine with active fuel management
- Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping keeps the ride impressively smooth
- Heated and ventilated front seats with perforated Mulan leather upholstery
- Rear seat entertainment system with overhead DVD player
- Bose sound system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
“When it comes to hauling my whole family,” Stapleton said, “the Yukon XL Denali really fits the bill. Premium features and tons of space.”
This mega-sized SUV provides Stapleton all the luxury appointments and expansive room he needs to handle his constantly-growing family.
How Stapleton‘s Vehicles Compare to Other Country Stars
Stapleton shares similar taste in trucks and SUVs as many of his fellow country music stars. But how exactly do his rides compare and contrast to other hitmakers‘ favorites? Let‘s see how his vehicles stack up:
| Vehicle | Stapleton‘s Ride | Luke Bryan‘s | Brad Paisley‘s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup Truck | 2019 Ram 1500 | 2020 Silverado 1500 High Country | 2020 F-150 Limited |
| SUV | Yukon XL Denali | Cadillac Escalade ESV | Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT |
| Classic Car | 1966 El Camino | 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS | 1968 Pontiac GTO |
While there are certainly similarities across the board, Stapleton gravitates toward newer models versus the vintage classics in Paisley‘s vast collection. His vehicles also feature more extensive luxury features and performance upgrades compared to Bryan‘s more workmanlike trucks. This perhaps reflects Stapleton‘s meteoric rise over the past decade.
Vehicles Customized to His Style & Sound
To better match his personality and musical vibe, Stapleton has customized certain vehicles like his El Camino and Jeep Wrangler. Some signature touches include:
- Custom exhaust systems with Flowmaster or Borla mufflers producing a deeper, throatier rumble
- Upgraded intake systems to allow more air into the engine for increased horsepower
- Tinted windows for privacy and a slick look
- All-terrain or rugged off-road tires for traction and handling on backroads
- Suspension lifts and leveling kits on trucks to improve ground clearance
These personalized mods allow Stapleton to leave his unique stamp on the vehicles. Much like he crafts lyrics and instrumentals that affect listeners, his customized rides create a signature driving experience through sounds and aesthetics. The vehicles become an extension of his artistry.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Chris Stapleton seems to prefer American-made trucks and SUVs that can capably handle his country lifestyle. His small but diverse fleet provides the perfect blend of capability, luxury, and style for a chart-topping singer-songwriter with a love for the open road.
Of all the vehicles Stapleton owns, his vintage El Camino pickup truck best encapsulates his legacy. With its classic style and throaty, custom exhaust note, this rustic truck symbolizes the timeless, honest values of his music.
So when you see that custom El Camino growling by, remember it‘s more than just a set of wheels – it‘s a window into the creative spirit of Chris Stapleton. Hopefully this inside look gave you insight into what makes this country crooner tick!