The Ford Explorer has maintained its position as a flagship SUV in the Ford lineup, evolving significantly from 2016 to 2025. Throughout these model years, wheel and tire specifications have played a crucial role in defining both the vehicle’s capabilities and its distinctive appearance. These carefully engineered combinations balance performance, comfort, and style across various trim levels and generations.

Explorer Generations and Platform Evolution

From 2016 to 2025, the Ford Explorer spans two distinct generations, each with significant differences in their wheel and tire configurations:

• Fifth Generation (2011-2019) – The 2016-2019 Explorer models represent the latter part of the fifth generation, built on the Ford D4 platform with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive architecture.
• Sixth Generation (2020-Present) – Beginning with the 2020 model year, the Explorer transitioned to the all-new CD6 platform, shifting to a rear-wheel drive architecture with available all-wheel drive, significantly changing its performance characteristics and wheel/tire needs.

Each generation features distinct wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches, with specifications carefully matched to optimize handling, comfort, and capability for each trim level.

2016-2019 Explorer Wheel and Tire Specifications

2016-2017 Model Years

The 2016-2017 Ford Explorer offered several trim levels, each with distinct wheel and tire packages:

Base Trim:

• Standard 18-inch painted aluminum wheels
• Wheel dimensions: 18 x 8.0 inches with 44 mm offset
• Bolt pattern: 5 x 114.3 mm
• Standard size: 245/60R18 (739 mm overall diameter)

XLT Trim:

• Standard 18-inch painted aluminum wheels
• Optional 20-inch painted aluminum wheels
• 18-inch dimensions: 18 x 8.0 inches with 44 mm offset
• 20-inch dimensions: 20 x 8.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard size: 245/60R18 (739 mm overall diameter)
• Optional size: 255/50R20 (740 mm overall diameter)

Limited Trim:

• Standard 20-inch painted aluminum wheels
• Wheel dimensions: 20 x 8.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard size: 255/50R20 (740 mm overall diameter)

Sport Trim:

• Standard 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• Wheel dimensions: 20 x 8.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard size: 255/50R20 (740 mm overall diameter)

Platinum Trim:

• Standard 20-inch bright machined-face aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets
• Wheel dimensions: 20 x 8.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard size: 255/50R20 (740 mm overall diameter)

2018-2019 Model Years

For 2018-2019, Ford made minor adjustments to wheel designs while maintaining similar specifications:

Base Trim:

• Unchanged: 18-inch painted aluminum wheels with 245/60R18 tires

XLT Trim:

• Standard 18-inch five-spoke painted aluminum wheels
• Optional 20-inch ten-spoke painted aluminum wheels
• Specifications same as previous years

Limited Trim:

• Standard 20-inch premium painted aluminum wheels
• Specifications same as previous years

Sport Trim:

• Standard 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with magnetic gray-painted pockets
• Specifications same as previous years

Platinum Trim:

• Standard 20-inch bright machined-face aluminum wheels with dark tarnish-painted pockets
• Specifications same as previous years

2020-2023 Explorer Wheel and Tire Specifications

The 2020 model year marked the introduction of the sixth-generation Explorer with completely redesigned wheel options.

2020-2021 Model Years

Base Trim:

• Standard 18-inch five-spoke silver-painted aluminum wheels
• Wheel dimensions: 18 x 8.0 inches with 45 mm offset
• Bolt pattern: 5 x 114.3 mm
• Standard size: 255/65R18 (747 mm overall diameter)

XLT Trim:

• Standard 18-inch five-spoke silver-painted aluminum wheels
• Optional 20-inch polished aluminum wheels
• 20-inch dimensions: 20 x 8.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard size: 255/65R18 (747 mm overall diameter)
• Optional size: 255/55R20 (749 mm overall diameter)

Limited Trim:

• Standard 20-inch premium painted aluminum wheels
• Wheel dimensions: 20 x 8.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard size: 255/55R20 (749 mm overall diameter)

ST Trim:

• Standard 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• Optional 21-inch aluminum wheels
• 21-inch dimensions: 21 x 9.5 inches with 43 mm offset
• Standard size: 255/55R20 (749 mm overall diameter)
• Optional size: 275/45R21 (752 mm overall diameter)

Platinum Trim:

• Standard 21-inch bright machined-face aluminum wheels with luster nickel-painted pockets
• Wheel dimensions: 21 x 9.5 inches with 43 mm offset
• Standard size: 275/45R21 (752 mm overall diameter)

2022-2023 Model Years

For 2022-2023, Ford introduced the ST-Line and Timberline trims while updating wheel designs:

Base and XLT Trims:

• Largely unchanged from previous years: 18-inch wheels with 255/65R18 tires
• Optional 20-inch wheels for XLT with 255/55R20 tires

ST-Line Trim (New for 2022):

• Standard 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• Wheel dimensions: 20 x 8.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard size: 255/55R20 (749 mm overall diameter)

Timberline Trim (New for 2022):

• Standard 18-inch high-gloss painted aluminum wheels
• Wheel dimensions: 18 x 8.5 inches with 42 mm offset (wider than standard 18-inch)
• Standard size: 265/65R18 all-terrain tires (762 mm overall diameter)
• Unique design with higher offset for increased track width

Limited Trim:

• Standard 20-inch premium painted aluminum wheels
• Specifications same as previous years

ST Trim:

• Standard 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• Optional 21-inch aluminum wheels
• Specifications same as previous years

Platinum Trim:

• Standard 21-inch bright machined-face aluminum wheels
• Specifications same as previous years

King Ranch Trim (Reintroduced):

• Standard 20-inch aluminum wheels with Running W center cap
• Wheel dimensions: 20 x 8.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard size: 255/55R20 (749 mm overall diameter)

2024-2025 Explorer Wheel and Tire Specifications

For 2024-2025, Ford refreshed the Explorer lineup with updated styling and wheel designs.

Base and XLT Trims:

• Standard 18-inch painted aluminum wheels
• Optional 20-inch painted aluminum wheels for XLT
• Tire specifications same as previous years

Active Trim (New for 2024):

• Standard 20-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with dark carbonized-painted pockets
• Wheel dimensions: 20 x 8.5 inches with 44 mm offset
• Standard size: 255/55R20 (749 mm overall diameter)

Timberline Trim:

• Standard 18-inch high-gloss painted aluminum wheels
• Unique bronze-accent finish for 2024-2025
• All-terrain 265/65R18 tires (762 mm overall diameter)

ST-Line Trim:

• Standard 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with high-gloss black-painted pockets
• Specifications same as previous years

Limited Trim:

• Standard 20-inch premium painted aluminum wheels
• Specifications same as previous years

ST Trim:

• Standard 21-inch aluminum wheels (previously optional)
• Wheel dimensions: 21 x 9.5 inches with 43 mm offset
• Standard size: 275/45R21 (752 mm overall diameter)

Platinum Trim:

• Standard 21-inch bright machined-face aluminum wheels with dark tarnish-painted pockets
• Specifications same as previous years

King Ranch Trim:

• Standard 20-inch aluminum wheels with Running W center cap
• Refined design for 2024-2025
• Specifications same as previous years

Performance Impact of Different Wheel and Tire Combinations

Off-Road Capability

Timberline Package (18-inch with All-Terrain Tires):

• The 265/65R18 all-terrain tires provide superior traction in loose surfaces
• Additional 15 mm of diameter translates to approximately 7.5 mm more ground clearance
• Wider footprint (265 mm vs 255 mm) creates a larger contact patch for better grip
• Reinforced sidewalls increase resistance to punctures on rough terrain
• Special tread pattern enhances traction in mud, snow, and gravel

Standard 18-inch Package:

• The taller sidewalls of the 255/65R18 tires provide better impact absorption on rough roads
• More compliant ride quality with superior isolation from road imperfections
• Lighter weight contributes to more responsive acceleration and improved fuel efficiency
• Ideal for drivers who venture occasionally off paved surfaces

On-Road Performance

20-inch Wheel 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
• Most popular size across the Explorer lineup due to versatility

21-inch Wheel Package (ST and Platinum):

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

Practical Considerations for Explorer Wheel and Tire Selection

Impact on Ride Quality and Comfort

18-inch Package Benefits:

• Superior impact absorption on rough roads
• Better isolation from road imperfections
• Reduced road noise due to taller sidewalls
• Ideal for drivers who prioritize comfort and ride quality

20-inch Package Balance:

• Moderate impact absorption with improved handling
• Acceptable road noise levels in most conditions
• Good compromise between comfort and performance
• Suitable for the majority of driving conditions

21-inch Package Considerations:

• Firmer ride with more road feedback
• Increased sensitivity to road imperfections
• Potentially higher road noise on rough surfaces
• Prioritizes handling performance and visual appeal

Winter Performance Factors

All Ford Explorer models from 2016-2025 can accommodate winter tires for enhanced cold-weather performance. Winter tire recommendations vary by wheel size:

18-inch Winter Tire Options:

• 255/65R18 winter tires provide optimal snow performance
• Taller sidewalls improve performance in deep snow
• Greater selection of winter options at varying performance levels
• Recommended for owners in regions with severe winter conditions

20-inch Winter Tire Options:

• 255/55R20 winter tires balance winter traction with handling
• Moderate selection of winter options available
• Good compromise between winter capability and year-round performance

21-inch Winter Tire Considerations:

• 275/45R21 winter tires maintain sporty handling with improved winter traction
• More limited selection of winter options
• Some owners opt to downsize to 20-inch wheels for winter to expand tire options

Five Ford Explorer Wheel and Tire Facts

1. The Timberline trim’s unique 18-inch wheels feature a 3 mm more aggressive offset (42 mm vs 45 mm) than standard Explorer wheels, increasing the track width by 6 mm for improved stability on uneven terrain.
2. The 2022 Explorer ST can be equipped with performance brakes featuring red-painted callipers, specifically designed to work with the larger 21-inch wheels, providing 15% better heat dissipation than standard brakes.
3. The Explorer bolt pattern (5 x 114.3 mm) remained consistent across both the fifth and sixth generations despite the platform change from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive architecture in 2020.
4. The sixth-generation optional 21-inch wheels are among the largest factory wheels ever offered on a Ford SUV, requiring specialized tire pressure monitoring sensors designed specifically for this application.
5. Despite significant differences in wheel diameter, the overall diameter varies by only 15 mm from the smallest (18-inch standard) to the largest (21-inch ST) wheel package, ensuring consistent speedometer readings across all configurations.

What wheel size comes standard on a 2022 Ford Explorer Base model?

• The base model comes standard with 18-inch five-spoke silver-painted aluminum wheels paired with 255/65R18 all-season options. These provide a good balance of ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and light off-road capability.

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

• While both generations share the same 5 x 114.3 mm bolt pattern, the offset and hub bore dimensions differ due to the platform change from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. Fifth-generation (2019) wheels are not recommended for use on sixth-generation (2020+) models as they may cause clearance issues, affect handling, and potentially compromise safety systems.

What makes the Timberline trim wheels and tires different?

• This trim features unique 18-inch high-gloss painted aluminum wheels with a more aggressive offset (42 mm vs 45 mm on standard models) that increases track width for stability. These are paired with specialized 265/65R18 all-terrains that are 10 mm wider and 15 mm taller than standard options, providing improved ground clearance and off-road traction.

Do all Explorer ST models come with 21-inch wheels?

• For 2020-2023, it came standard with 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, with 21-inch wheels available as an option. Starting with the 2024 model year, 21-inch wheels became standard equipment on the ST trim, paired with 275/45R21 performance options.

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

• On a stock sixth-generation model with 20-inch wheels, the largest size that fits without rubbing or requiring modifications is 265/55R20, which is approximately 10 mm wider than the factory 255/55R20 size. For models with 18-inch wheels, owners can typically fit 265/65R18 (the same size as Timberline) 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.