The Ford Escape continues to stand as a versatile and capable compact SUV, balancing urban practicality with light off-road capability. One of the most defining features that impact both performance and appearance is the wheel and tire package. Since 2016, the Escape has undergone significant changes across two generations, each with distinct wheel and tire specifications that influence handling, comfort, and capability.

Evolution of the Ford Escape Platform

The Ford Escape has evolved significantly from 2016 to 2025, spanning two distinct generations that feature different configurations:

Third Generation (2013-2019) – The 2016-2019 models represent the latter part of the third-generation Escape, built on the Ford Global C platform with a focus on car-like handling and efficiency.

Fourth Generation (2020-Present) – Beginning with the 2020 model year, the completely redesigned fourth-generation Escape introduced a more rounded design, improved aerodynamics, and updated specifications.

Throughout these generations, wheel sizes ranged from 17 to 19 inches, with tire profiles and widths carefully selected to balance comfort, performance, and efficiency for each trim level.

2016-2019 Escape Wheel and Tire Specifications

2016-2017 Model Years

The 2016-2017 Ford Escape offered three primary trim levels, each with distinct wheel and tire packages:

S Trim:

• Standard 17-inch steel wheels with covers
• Dimensions: 17 x 7.5 inches with 44.5 mm offset
• Bolt pattern: 5 x 108 mm
• Standard tire size: 235/55R17 (714 mm overall diameter)

SE Trim:

• Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels
• Optional 18-inch aluminum wheels
• 17-inch dimensions: 17 x 7.5 inches with 44.5 mm offset
• 18-inch dimensions: 18 x 8.0 inches with 47.5 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 235/55R17 (714 mm overall diameter)
• Optional tire size: 235/50R18 (716 mm overall diameter)

Titanium Trim:

• Standard 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• Optional 19-inch premium luster nickel-painted aluminum wheels
• 18-inch dimensions: 18 x 8.0 inches with 47.5 mm offset
• 19-inch dimensions: 19 x 8.0 inches with 47.5 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 235/50R18 (716 mm overall diameter)
• Optional tire size: 235/45R19 (718 mm overall diameter)

2018-2019 Model Years

For 2018-2019, Ford introduced the SEL trim and made minor adjustments to designs while maintaining the same basic specifications:

S Trim:

• Unchanged from previous years: 17-inch steel wheels with 235/55R17 tires

SE Trim:

• Standard 17-inch aluminum with 235/55R17 tires
• Optional 18-inch aluminum with 235/50R18 tires

SEL Trim (New for 2018):

• Standard 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• Dimensions: 18 x 8.0 inches with 47.5 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 235/50R18 (716 mm overall diameter)

Titanium Trim:

• Standard 19-inch machined aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets
• Dimensions: 19 x 8.0 inches with 47.5 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 235/45R19 (718 mm overall diameter)

2020-2023 Escape Wheel and Tire Specifications

The 2020 model year marked the introduction of the fourth-generation Escape with completely redesigned options.

2020-2021 Model Years

S Trim:

• Standard 17-inch steel wheels with covers
• Dimensions: 17 x 7.0 inches with 40 mm offset
• Bolt pattern: 5 x 108 mm
• Standard tire size: 225/65R17 (716 mm overall diameter)

SE and SE Sport Hybrid Trims:

• Standard 17-inch Shadow Silver-painted aluminum wheels
• Dimensions: 17 x 7.0 inches with 40 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/65R17 (716 mm overall diameter)

SEL Trim:

• Standard 18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with Dark Stainless-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 18 x 7.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/60R18 (718 mm overall diameter)

Titanium Trim:

• Standard 19-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with Dark Tarnish-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 19 x 8.0 inches with 47.5 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/55R19 (721 mm overall diameter)

Titanium Hybrid Trim:

• Standard 18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with Dark Tarnish-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 18 x 7.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/60R18 (718 mm overall diameter)

2022-2023 Model Years

For 2022-2023, Ford introduced the Active trim and updated wheel designs while maintaining similar specifications:

S and SE Trims:

• Unchanged from previous years: 17-inch wheels with 225/65R17 tires

SEL Trim:

• Standard 18-inch machined-face aluminum with Oxford Dark-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 18 x 7.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/60R18 (718 mm overall diameter)

Titanium Trim:

• Standard 19-inch machined-face aluminum with Luster Nickel-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 19 x 8.0 inches with 47.5 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/55R19 (721 mm overall diameter)

Active Trim (New for 2022):

• Standard 19-inch machined-face aluminum with Ebony Black-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 19 x 8.0 inches with 47.5 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/55R19 (721 mm overall diameter)

PHEV Models:

• Standard 18-inch machined-face aluminum with Dark Tarnish-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 18 x 7.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/60R18 (718 mm overall diameter)

2024-2025 Escape Wheel and Tire Specifications

For 2024-2025, Ford continued to refine the Escape lineup with updated wheel designs and new special editions.

S Trim:

• Standard 17-inch steel wheels with covers
• Dimensions: 17 x 7.0 inches with 40 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/65R17 (716 mm overall diameter)

Blue Trim:

• Standard 17-inch aluminum with Medium Dark-painted finish
• Dimensions: 17 x 7.0 inches with 40 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/65R17 (716 mm overall diameter)

Active Trim:

• Standard 18-inch machined-face aluminum with High-Gloss Black-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 18 x 7.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/60R18 (718 mm overall diameter)

Platinum Trim:

• Standard 19-inch machined-face aluminum with Premium-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 19 x 8.0 inches with 47.5 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/55R19 (721 mm overall diameter)

ST-Line Trim:

• Standard 19-inch machined-face aluminum with High-Gloss Black-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 19 x 8.0 inches with 47.5 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/55R19 (721 mm overall diameter)

PHEV Models:

• Standard 18-inch machined-face aluminum with Dark Tarnish-painted pockets
• Dimensions: 18 x 7.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/60R18 (718 mm overall diameter)

Performance Implications of Different Wheel and Tire Combinations

Handling and Ride Quality

17-Inch Package:

• The taller sidewalls of the 225/65R17 tires provide superior impact absorption on rough roads
• More compliant ride quality with better isolation from road imperfections
• Lighter weight contributes to more responsive acceleration and improved fuel efficiency
• Ideal for drivers who prioritize comfort over maximum cornering capability

18-Inch Package:

• Balanced approach between comfort and performance
• Moderately reduced sidewall flex improves steering response and handling precision
• Still maintains reasonable impact absorption for everyday driving conditions
• Standard on SEL trims and hybrid models to balance efficiency and handling

19-Inch Package:

• Maximum cornering stability with minimal sidewall flex
• More precise steering response and sharper turn-in characteristics
• Improved brake cooling due to larger diameter
• Enhanced visual presence with a more premium, sporty appearance
• Standard on Titanium and ST-Line models to emphasize performance character

Off-Road and All-Weather Performance

All-Season Tires (Standard on All Models):

• Designed to provide adequate traction in light snow and rain
• Balanced tread pattern for reduced road noise and extended tread life
• All 2016-2025 Escape models come standard with all-season tires

Optional All-Terrain Tires (Aftermarket):

• Available as a dealer-installed option or aftermarket upgrade
• Recommended primarily for 17-inch wheel packages due to increased sidewall height
• Provides improved traction in mud, snow, and loose surfaces
• May increase road noise and reduce fuel efficiency on paved roads

Practical Considerations for Wheel and Tire Selection

Weight and Fuel Economy Impact

17-Inch Package Weight:

• Approximately 20.5 kg per assembly
• Offers optimal fuel efficiency due to reduced rotational mass
• Particularly beneficial for hybrid and PHEV models to maximize electric range

18-Inch Package Weight:

• Approximately 22.7 kg per assembly
• Moderate fuel economy impact with balanced performance benefits
• Standard on hybrid models to maintain efficiency while offering improved handling

19-Inch Package Weight:

• Approximately 24.5 kg per assembly
• Most significant impact on fuel economy and acceleration
• Prioritizes handling performance and visual appeal over maximum efficiency

Winter Performance Considerations

All Ford Escape models from 2016-2025 are designed to accommodate winter tires for enhanced cold-weather performance. Winter tire recommendations vary by size:

17-Inch Winter Tire Recommendation:

• 225/65R17 winter tires provide optimal snow performance due to taller sidewalls
• Greatest selection of winter tire options at more accessible price points
• Recommended for owners in regions with severe winter conditions

18-Inch Winter Tire Recommendation:

• 225/60R18 winter tires offer balanced winter performance
• Moderate selection of winter tire options available
• Good compromise between winter capability and handling

19-Inch Winter Tire Recommendation:

• 225/55R19 winter tires maintain sporty handling with improved winter traction
• More limited selection of winter tire options
• Some owners opt to downsize to 18-inch wheels for winter to expand tire options

Five Ford Escape Wheel and Tire Facts

1. The 2020 redesign of the Ford Escape actually reduced the standard tire width from 235 mm to 225 mm to improve fuel efficiency, despite the vehicle growing in overall size.
2. The bolt pattern of 5 x 108 mm has remained consistent across all Escape models from 2016-2025, making wheel interchangeability possible between different generations.
3. The 2023 Escape Hybrid models feature specially designed wheels with aerodynamic inserts that reduce turbulence around the wheels, improving efficiency by approximately 2%.
4. Despite having the largest diameter wheels, the 19-inch Escape tire packages maintain almost identical overall diameter to the 17-inch packages (just 5 mm difference) by using lower-profile tires.
5. The Escape PHEV models specifically use 18-inch wheels rather than 19-inch options to reduce rolling resistance and maximize electric range, even on premium trim levels.

What is the standard wheel size on a 2018 Ford Escape SE trim?

• This trim comes standard with 17-inch aluminums paired with 235/55R17 tires. These provide a good balance of comfort, fuel efficiency, and light off-road capability. They feature a 5 x 108 mm bolt pattern with a 44.5 mm offset.

Can wheels from a 2019 Escape fit on a 2020 model?

• While both generations share the same 5 x 108 mm bolt pattern, the offset changed from 44.5-47.5 mm on 2019 models to 40-47.5 mm on 2020+ models. Third-generation (2019) options can physically mount on fourth-generation (2020+) models, but the different offset may cause clearance issues or affect handling. Professional installation and assessment are recommended.

What tire pressure is recommended for the Ford Escape?

• The recommended tire pressure for most models is 235 kPa (34 psi) for both front and rear tires under normal driving conditions. However, this can vary slightly by model year, trim level, and tire size. The correct pressure is always listed on the driver’s door jamb sticker and should be checked when tires are cold.

Do all 2022 Escape models come with Tire Pressure Monitoring System?

• Yes, all 2022 and newer models come standard with an individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that displays the specific pressure of each tire on the instrument cluster or infotainment screen. Earlier models from 2016-2021 also have TPMS, but some base models only indicate when a tire is significantly below pressure without showing the exact reading.

What is the largest tire size that fits a stock Ford Escape without modifications?

• On a stock model with 19-inch options, the largest tire size that fits without rubbing or requiring modifications is 235/55R19, which is approximately 5 mm wider than the factory 225/55R19 size. For models with 17-inch options, owners can typically fit 235/65R17 tires without issues, providing slightly improved ground clearance and off-road capability.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*