Ford Explorer Tire Size Chart By Year & Trim: 2026 OEM Sizes & Pressure
The Ford Explorer tire size chart below covers US-market Explorer SUVs from 1991 through 2026. Factory sizes vary by year, trim, and wheel package, from 15-inch tires on early Explorers to 21-inch options on newer ST models. A 2026 Explorer Tremor, for example, uses a different tire size than a 2026 ST.
Find your year in the tables, then match your trim and original wheel package. These are documented factory fitments, not a list of interchangeable upgrades. Before purchasing, confirm the tire size and recommended cold inflation pressure on your Explorer’s driver-side Tire and Loading Information label.
FordMasterX / US-Spec Explorer SUV
Ford Explorer Tire Sizes at a Glance
Find the wheel-size range for your model years, then compare verified factory tire sizes for recent Explorer trims.
Factory wheel diameters by model-year range
- 1991–2001 Early Explorer 15–16 in.
- 2002–2010 Third & fourth gen 16–20 in.
- 2011–2019 Fifth generation 17–20 in.
- 2020–2026 Sixth generation 18–21 in.
Common OEM Sizes for 2025–2026
Sizes vary by trim and equipment packageActive · Standard on 2025 and 2026 models
Tremor · Standard on 2026 model
ST-Line / Platinum · Standard on 2025 and 2026 models
ST · Standard on 2025 and 2026 models
Ford Explorer Tire Size Chart 2020 to 2026
Sixth-generation Explorers use several factory tire sizes. Base and XLT configurations commonly have 18-inch wheels, while some trims and packages use 20- or 21-inch wheels. Off-road-oriented Timberline and Tremor models have their own 18-inch all-terrain fitments.
The 2025 configurations below follow Ford’s 2025 Explorer technical specifications. Earlier years are cross-checked against model-year fitment listings. A slash between sizes indicates different documented factory configurations, not tires that can be mounted on the same wheel.
| Model Year | Trim or Equipment Package | Documented OEM Tire Size | Wheel Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Active, including 100A | 255/65R18 | 18 in. |
| 2026 | Active with optional 20-inch wheels | 255/55R20 | 20 in. |
| 2026 | ST-Line / ST-Line Street Pack | 255/55R20 / 275/45R21 | 20 / 21 in. |
| 2026 | Platinum, standard / optional 21-inch package | 255/55R20 / 275/45R21 | 20 / 21 in. |
| 2026 | ST | 275/45R21 | 21 in. |
| 2026 | Tremor | 265/65R18 | 18 in. |
| 2025 | Active, standard / optional 20-inch package | 255/65R18 / 255/55R20 | 18 / 20 in. |
| 2025 | ST-Line, standard / Street Pack | 255/55R20 / 275/45R21 | 20 / 21 in. |
| 2025 | Platinum, standard / optional 21-inch package | 255/55R20 / 275/45R21 | 20 / 21 in. |
| 2025 | ST | 275/45R21 | 21 in. |
| 2024 | Base / XLT | 255/65R18; XLT also 255/55R20 | 18 / 20 in. |
| 2024 | Limited / King Ranch | 255/55R20 | 20 in. |
| 2024 | ST / ST-Line / Platinum | 255/55R20 or 275/45R21 by trim and package | 20 / 21 in. |
| 2024 | Timberline | 265/65R18 | 18 in. |
| 2023 | Base / XLT | 255/65R18; XLT also 255/55R20 | 18 / 20 in. |
| 2023 | Limited / King Ranch | 255/55R20 | 20 in. |
| 2023 | ST / ST-Line / Platinum | 255/55R20 or 275/45R21 by trim and package | 20 / 21 in. |
| 2023 | Timberline | 265/65R18 | 18 in. |
| 2022 | Base / XLT | 255/65R18; XLT also 255/55R20 | 18 / 20 in. |
| 2022 | Limited / King Ranch | 255/55R20 | 20 in. |
| 2022 | ST / ST-Line / Platinum | 255/55R20 or 275/45R21 by trim and package | 20 / 21 in. |
| 2022 | Timberline | 265/65R18 | 18 in. |
| 2021 | Base / XLT | 255/65R18; XLT also 255/55R20 | 18 / 20 in. |
| 2021 | Limited / King Ranch | 255/55R20 | 20 in. |
| 2021 | ST / Platinum | 255/55R20 or 275/45R21 by trim and package | 20 / 21 in. |
| 2021 | Timberline | 265/65R18 | 18 in. |
| 2020 | Base / XLT | 255/65R18; XLT also 255/55R20 | 18 / 20 in. |
| 2020 | Limited | 255/55R20 | 20 in. |
| 2020 | ST / Platinum | 255/55R20 or 275/45R21 by package | 20 / 21 in. |
2026 trim distinction: The Ford 2026 Explorer order guide identifies 18-inch wheels for Active and Tremor, 20-inch wheels for ST-Line and Platinum, and 21-inch wheels for ST. The Tremor specifically has P265/65R18 all-terrain tires. Ford’s optional packages account for the additional sizes shown in the chart. Goodyear’s 2026 Explorer fitment listing corroborates the trim-level combinations.
If you are unsure which equipment package your Explorer has, check its original window sticker or request a VIN-based equipment check from a Ford dealer. The tire placard remains the final reference for the factory tire size on your particular SUV.
Ford Explorer Tire Sizes 2011 to 2019 by Trim
The fifth-generation Explorer primarily used 17-, 18-, and 20-inch factory wheels. Base models began with 17-inch fitments in 2011–2014; 18-inch tires became the documented Base fitment for 2015–2019. The available 20-inch package depends on trim.
| Model Years | Base | XLT | Limited, Sport, or Platinum Where Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 | 255/50R20 |
| 2018 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 | 255/50R20 |
| 2017 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 | 255/50R20 |
| 2016 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 | 255/50R20 |
| 2015 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 | 255/50R20 |
| 2014 | 245/65R17 | 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 | 255/50R20 |
| 2013 | 245/65R17 | 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 | 255/50R20 |
| 2012 | 245/65R17 | 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 | 255/50R20 |
| 2011 | 245/65R17 | 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 | 255/50R20 |
Sport was offered during part of this period, and Platinum appeared later. A table entry does not imply that every named trim existed in every year. In particular, an XLT with factory 18-inch rims cannot accept a tire labeled 255/50R20 without changing the wheels.
Ford Explorer Tire Sizes 2006 to 2010
Fourth-generation Explorer tire sizes differ substantially by trim. XLT fitments commonly included 235/70R16 and 245/65R17; Eddie Bauer and Limited variants offered 18-inch configurations. Some later packages added 20-inch wheels.
| Year | Trim or Package | Documented Tire Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | XLT / XLT Sport | 235/70R16, 245/65R17, or 255/50R20 by package |
| 2010 | Eddie Bauer / Limited | 245/65R17, 235/65R18, or 255/50R20 by trim |
| 2009 | XLT / XLT Sport | 235/70R16, 245/65R17, or 255/50R20 by package |
| 2009 | Eddie Bauer / Limited | 245/65R17, 235/65R18, or 255/50R20 by trim |
| 2008 | XLT / XLT Sport | 235/70R16, 245/65R17, 235/65R18, or 255/50R20 by package |
| 2008 | Eddie Bauer / Limited | 245/65R17, 235/65R18, or 255/50R20 by trim |
| 2007 | XLT | 235/70R16, 245/65R17, or 235/65R18 |
| 2007 | Eddie Bauer / Limited | 245/65R17 or 235/65R18 by trim |
| 2006 | XLS / XLT | 235/70R16 or 245/65R17 by trim |
| 2006 | Eddie Bauer / Limited | 245/65R17 or 235/65R18 |
The 20-inch entries are factory package-specific, not a general recommendation to put larger tires on earlier 16-inch wheels. These rows exclude Explorer Sport Trac pickup configurations.
Ford Explorer Tire Sizes 2002 to 2005
The redesigned four-door Explorer primarily used 235/70R16, 245/70R16, and 245/65R17. The correct choice depends on the model year and equipment group.
| Year | Trim | Documented Tire Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | XLS / XLT | 235/70R16; XLT also 245/65R17 |
| 2005 | Eddie Bauer / Limited | 245/65R17 |
| 2004 | XLS / XLT | 235/70R16; XLT Sport 245/65R17 |
| 2004 | Eddie Bauer / Limited / NBX | 245/65R17 |
| 2003 | XLS / XLT | 235/70R16; XLT also 245/65R17 |
| 2003 | Eddie Bauer / Limited / NBX | 245/65R17 |
| 2002 | XLS / XLT | 235/70R16 |
| 2002 | Eddie Bauer / Limited | 245/70R16 or 245/65R17 |
Model distinction: The older two-door Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac continued alongside the redesigned Explorer in some of these years. Their sizes should not be copied into the four-door SUV chart.
Ford Explorer Tire Sizes 1991 to 2001
First- and second-generation Explorers generally used 15-inch tires, with certain later trims offering 16-inch factory configurations. Early vehicles may have replacement rims today, so checking the original tire placard is particularly useful.
The historical sizes below were cross-checked using the year-and-trim listings at TireSize.com. Each row shows sizes documented for the indicated year, not interchangeable options for every trim.
| Year | Documented Factory Tire Sizes | Main Trim Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 235/75R15, 235/70R16, 255/70R16 | XLS/XLT, Sport, Eddie Bauer, Limited vary |
| 2000 | 225/70R15, 235/75R15, 255/70R16 | XL/XLS/XLT vs Eddie Bauer/Sport |
| 1999 | 225/70R15, 235/75R15, 255/70R16 | XL/XLS/XLT vs Eddie Bauer/Sport |
| 1998 | 225/70R15, 235/75R15, 255/70R16 | XL/XLT vs Eddie Bauer/Sport |
| 1997 | 225/70R15, 235/75R15, 255/70R16 | XL/XLT vs Eddie Bauer/Sport |
| 1996 | 225/70R15, 235/75R15, 255/70R16 | XL/XLT vs Eddie Bauer/Sport |
| 1995 | 225/70R15, 235/75R15, 255/70R16 | XL/XLT vs Eddie Bauer/Sport |
| 1994 | 225/70R15, 235/75R15 | XL, XLT, Sport, Limited, Eddie Bauer |
| 1993 | 225/70R15, 235/75R15 | XL, XLT, Sport, Limited, Eddie Bauer |
| 1992 | 225/70R15, 235/75R15 | Eddie Bauer primarily 235/75R15 |
| 1991 | 225/70R15, 235/75R15 | Eddie Bauer primarily 235/75R15 |
For example, a 1991 Explorer XLT could be listed with 225/70R15 or 235/75R15, while the Eddie Bauer listing shows 235/75R15. That distinction matters when identifying an original-size replacement for a restored vehicle.
How to Confirm Your Explorer Factory Tire Size
Your own Explorer’s tire label is the final check, even when a year-and-trim table lists a matching size. Options, replacement wheels, and previous-owner modifications can change what is currently installed.
- Open the driver’s door. Locate the Tire and Loading Information label on the door edge or door frame, usually near the B-pillar.
- Read the front and rear tire sizes. The label identifies the factory specification for that vehicle. Note any difference between axles if indicated.
- Compare the tire sidewall. Find a marking such as
255/55R20. It should match the factory specification if the original wheel package remains installed. - Confirm the wheel package. If the SUV has different-size aftermarket wheels, consult a reputable tire specialist before ordering tires or changing the fitment.
Do not use a tire’s maximum sidewall inflation pressure as the vehicle’s recommended operating pressure. Use the cold PSI on the door label.
What Ford Explorer Tire Size Numbers Mean
A marking such as 255/55R20 describes the tire dimensions and construction, not a Ford-specific part number.
| Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 255 | Nominal tire section width, in millimeters |
| 55 | Sidewall aspect ratio: sidewall height equals 55% of section width |
| R | Radial tire construction |
| 20 | Diameter of the wheel rim, in inches |
A leading P, as in P255/55R20, indicates a passenger-vehicle P-metric tire designation. The load index and speed rating appear elsewhere in the full sidewall service description and also matter when selecting a replacement.
What to Check Before Buying Replacement Explorer Tires
A size listed for your model year is not automatically suitable for your wheels. For example, 245/60R18 requires an 18-inch wheel, whereas 255/50R20 requires a 20-inch wheel. A tire with the wrong rim diameter cannot be mounted correctly on the existing wheel.
Match the full factory size, load index, and speed rating for your particular Explorer. If changing wheel size, check wheel width, offset, clearance, and mounting specifications as well. FordMasterX’s Ford bolt pattern chart covers the mounting pattern question separately.
If you are replacing tires rather than wheels, the simplest route is to start with the exact door-label size and request a tire with suitable service ratings from a tire professional.
How to Check Ford Explorer Tire Pressure
Tire size alone does not establish the correct inflation pressure. Two Explorers using similar tire dimensions can have different specified cold PSI because of model-year and equipment differences.
Read the front and rear cold inflation values on the driver-side Tire and Loading Information label. For broader context across Ford models, see the Ford tire pressure chart by model. The vehicle’s own label takes priority over any general chart.
How to Choose the Correct Explorer Tire Size
The Ford Explorer tire size chart is a starting point for identifying the factory tires used on your model year. The key variables are the year, trim, and original wheel package. That is why a newer ST, a Tremor, and a standard Explorer may have different tire dimensions even when built in the same year.
Find your year in the appropriate table, narrow the choice to the trim and equipment package, and read the complete tire size on the door placard. If the wheels have been changed, confirm the complete fitment before ordering a replacement. Use the tire label rather than a generic chart when the two disagree.
5 Ford Explorer Tire Size Questions Answered
What Size Tires Does a Ford Explorer Use?
It depends on the year, trim, and original wheel package. Early Explorers used sizes such as 235/75R15, while newer versions include 255/65R18, 255/55R20, and 275/45R21. Match the specific vehicle using the tables and door placard.
What Is the Factory Tire Size on a 2026 Ford Explorer?
There is no single 2026 factory size. Active uses 255/65R18 with its 18-inch wheels, ST uses 275/45R21, and Tremor uses 265/65R18 all-terrain tires. ST-Line and Platinum packages add 20- or 21-inch configurations.
What Tire Size Does the Ford Explorer ST Use?
The 2025 and 2026 Explorer ST uses 275/45R21 as its standard tire size. Earlier ST model years can have 20- or 21-inch factory packages, so verify the model year and tire placard before buying.
Can I Put 20-Inch Tires on an Explorer With 18-Inch Wheels?
No. A tire marked R20 is built for a 20-inch wheel and will not mount properly on an 18-inch rim. Converting to a factory-compatible 20-inch package requires suitable 20-inch wheels and a complete fitment check, not just different tires.
Where Can I Find the Original Tire Size on My Explorer?
Check the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver’s door frame or B-pillar. It lists the tire information for the specific vehicle and is more reliable than using the model year alone, particularly if several factory wheel packages were available.
