Ford Explorer Tire Guide
Tire Sizes, Types & Replacement Guide for Every Explorer Trim
Ford Explorer Tire Sizes by Trim
The Ford Explorer is one of America's most popular three-row SUVs, and choosing the right replacement tires affects everything from ride comfort to wet-weather safety. Explorer trims range from the fuel-efficient base model to the performance-tuned ST, each with different wheel sizes and tire requirements.
| Trim / Wheel Size | Tire Size | Tire Type |
|---|---|---|
| Base / XLT (18-inch) | 255/65R18 | All-Season |
| Limited / King Ranch (20-inch) | 255/55R20 | All-Season |
| ST (21-inch) | 275/45R21 | Performance All-Season |
| Timberline (18-inch) | 255/65R18 A/T | All-Terrain |
Trim-Specific Tire Details
Base / XLT (18-inch)
Tire Size: 255/65R18
Tire Type: All-Season
Standard 18-inch wheel across most trims. Great selection of highway touring tires optimized for comfort, low noise, and long tread life.
Limited / King Ranch (20-inch)
Tire Size: 255/55R20
Tire Type: All-Season
Larger 20-inch wheel for premium trims. Highway touring tires with enhanced ride quality and aesthetics.
ST (21-inch)
Tire Size: 275/45R21
Tire Type: Performance All-Season
Performance-oriented 21-inch wheel. Requires tires with higher speed ratings. Fewer options and higher cost at this size. Summer or performance all-season recommended.
Timberline (18-inch)
Tire Size: 255/65R18 A/T
Tire Type: All-Terrain
Same 18-inch diameter as base but factory-equipped with all-terrain tires. Continental TerrainContact A/T is the OE tire. Good for light off-road and gravel roads.
Tire Tips for Your Explorer
- Explorer ST owners should match the OE speed rating (W or Y) when replacing tires to maintain handling characteristics
- The Timberline's all-terrain tires can be fitted to any 18-inch Explorer — a popular upgrade for owners who drive mountain roads
- Tire rotation every 5,000-7,500 miles is especially important on AWD Explorers to prevent uneven wear across all four tires
- Three-row SUV weight means choosing tires with adequate load ratings — don't downgrade from the OE load index
- If your Explorer sees mostly highway miles, a touring tire will deliver the quietest ride and longest tread life
Tire Service at Mahon Ford
Mahon Ford's service department handles tire sales, mounting, balancing, rotation, and alignment for all Ford models. Our Ford-trained technicians ensure your tires are installed to factory specifications with proper torque values and TPMS sensor calibration. We carry a selection of OEM-recommended tire brands and can special order any size or brand you prefer.
Note on Pricing: Tire pricing varies significantly by size, brand, and type. Call 828-884-4151 for a quote specific to your Explorer trim and preferred tire brand.
Created June 11, 2026 by MM Dealer Advocates