What size tires can I put on my Ford Explorer?
The right tire size depends on your specific model year, trim, and wheel setup. In most cases you should stay close to the factory overall diameter, which keeps speedometer readings and drivetrain behavior accurate. Typical Explorers use 18- or 20-inch wheels with tire sizes around 235/65R18 to 255/50R20, and some higher trims can accommodate larger options with proper clearance and calibration; always verify with the owner's manual and a tire professional.
Beyond the basics of fitment, tire sizing for the Ford Explorer changes across generations and options. This article outlines how to identify your exact stock size, what larger or smaller tires you can consider, and how to evaluate fitment and calibration for a safe, reliable upgrade or replacement.
Stock sizes and what to expect by generation
The Ford Explorer has evolved through multiple generations, and wheel and tire packages vary by year, trim, and market. The most common configurations in recent generations sit in the 18- to 20-inch wheel range, with corresponding tire sizes that keep overall diameter close to stock. Always confirm your exact factory size on the door placard or in the owner’s manual before changing tires.
- 18-inch wheels: commonly paired with tires around 235/65R18 or 245/60R18, depending on year and trim.
- 20-inch wheels: commonly paired with tires around 255/50R20 or 275/50R20 on higher-trim setups that use larger wheels.
- 21–22-inch wheels: offered on select trims in some model years, usually with low-profile tires; fitment is more sensitive to clearance and suspension components.
Concluding note: Stock sizes vary, so always verify the exact specification for your vehicle’s year, trim, and factory wheel option before selecting replacements.
How to determine safe tire size changes
To maintain proper performance and avoid fitment or calibration issues, follow these safeguards before widening or changing tire diameter.
- Check the factory tire size on the door placard and in the owner’s manual for your exact vehicle configuration.
- Calculate the overall tire diameter of any proposed size and compare it to the stock diameter; aim for a difference of roughly ±2–3% to preserve speedometer accuracy and gearing behavior.
- Ensure there is adequate clearance in the fender wells, with full steering lock and during suspension travel; consider wheel width and offset as they affect clearance.
- Plan for potential recalibration of the speedometer/ECU if you change tire diameter beyond the acceptable range, and discuss with a tire professional or dealer about necessary adjustments.
Conclusion: If you stay within the recommended range and verify clearance, you can safely upgrade to larger or different tires while preserving ride quality and accuracy. If you exceed the safe range, you may need modifications or may encounter rubbing, ABS/ESC errors, or speedometer discrepancies.
Wheel width, offset, and clearance considerations
Beyond diameter, the width of the tire and the wheel’s offset can affect fitment. Wider tires on the same or slightly wider wheels can rub the suspension or inner fenders, especially on full steering lock or when the suspension compresses during driving. Always verify wheel specifications (width and offset) match the tire you plan to install and test-fit before committing to purchase.
Practical guidance by use case
Different driving needs may influence your tire choice, but safety and accuracy should guide decisions.
- Daily driving with mixed pavement: for most Explorers, sticking to stock diameter near 235/65R18 or 255/50R20 keeps ride and speedometer readings consistent.
- Snowy or off-road conditions: a modest increase in tire width can be acceptable if you maintain clearances and choose appropriate all-season or dedicated winter tires; be mindful of increased rolling resistance and potential ABS/traction control implications.
- Performance or appearance considerations: some owners opt for larger wheels with lower-profile tires; this requires careful checks for clearance and may necessitate calibration or suspension adjustments.
Note: Always have a professional confirm fitment for your exact configuration and ensure any changes are properly installed and calibrated.
Summary
To determine the right tire size for your Ford Explorer, identify your exact factory size from the door placard or owner’s manual, and keep the overall tire diameter within a small margin of the stock figure (roughly 2–3%). Common recent configurations use 18- or 20-inch wheels with sizes around 235/65R18 to 255/50R20, though some trims may run different sizes. For any change beyond stock, consult a tire professional to check clearance, wheel specs, and whether speedometer or ESC recalibration is needed. By verifying the factory specifications and following fitment guidelines, you can choose a tire size that suits your needs without compromising safety or performance.
