--- title: "2012-2019 Ford Explorer Tire Size: 245/60R18" description: "Every one of 3 factory tire sizes fitted to the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer, by trim and wheel diameter, with recommended cold pressures. Bolt pattern 5x114.3. Lug nuts torque to 100 lb-ft." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/tires" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 2012-2019 Ford Explorer Tire Sizes, Pressure and Bolt Pattern Every one of 3 factory tire sizes fitted to the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer, by trim and wheel diameter, with recommended cold pressures. Bolt pattern 5x114.3. Lug nuts torque to 100 lb-ft. **Quick answer**: The 2012-2019 Ford Explorer came with 3 factory tire sizes depending on trim, from 245/60R18 (Base, XLT (18-in)) up. Check the table for your trim. ## 2012-2019 Ford Explorer factory tire sizes (High confidence) | Trim / wheels | Tire size | Pressure (F/R) | Rating | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Base, XLT (18-in) | 245/60R18 | 35 psi | 104H | | XLT (optional), Limited (20-in) | 255/50R20 | 35 psi | 104T/104H | | Sport, Platinum (20-in) | 265/45R20 | 35 psi | 104V | ## 2012-2019 Ford Explorer bolt pattern and lug nut torque | Spec | Value | | --- | --- | | Bolt pattern (PCD) | 5x114.3 | | Lug nut torque | 100 lb-ft | | Spare tire | Compact temporary spare under the cargo floor (most trims) | Tighten in a star pattern with a torque wrench, then re-check after roughly 50 miles. An impact gun routinely overshoots the figure above by 100 lb-ft or more, which warps rotors and stretches studs. ## Which Ford Explorer model years does this cover? These tire sizes specifications apply to every Ford Explorer built from 2012 through 2019, the U502 (5th generation), mid-size 3-row crossover suv (unibody, fwd/awd). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. - [2012 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012) - [2013 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2013) - [2014 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2014) - [2015 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2015) - [2016 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2016) - [2017 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2017) - [2018 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2018) - [2019 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2019) ## What changed during the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2012 | 2.0L EcoBoost joins as an FWD-only economy option (no tow package) | | 2013 | Explorer Sport added: 365-hp 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, 352mm brakes, 20-in wheels | | 2014 | Essentially unchanged: a few new exterior colors added; Limited trim gains standard heated second-row seats | | 2015 | Essentially unchanged: Limited trim adds an available adaptive cruise control option, with second-row heated seats offered as an option lineup-wide | | 2016 | Major facelift: new front/rear styling, 280-hp 2.3L EcoBoost replaces the 2.0L, Platinum trim (3.5L EcoBoost) added, SYNC 3 arrives mid-cycle; low-beam bulb changes to H11 | | 2018-2019 | Minor updates; carryover mechanicals in the final years before the RWD-platform redesign | ## 2012-2019 Ford Explorer tire sizes: common questions ### What size tires does a 2012-2019 Ford Explorer take? It varies by trim and wheel size, 3 factory fitments exist, from 245/60R18 up. Check the placard on the driver's door jamb for the size your specific vehicle left the factory with. ### What is the bolt pattern on a 2012-2019 Ford Explorer? 5x114.3. That is the figure you need when shopping for aftermarket wheels; centre bore and offset still have to match separately. ### What should the tire pressure be on a 2012-2019 Ford Explorer? 35 PSI front and rear, measured cold. The number moulded into the tire sidewall is the tire's maximum, not the vehicle's recommendation. Do not inflate to it. ### What is the lug nut torque for a 2012-2019 Ford Explorer? 100 lb-ft, tightened in a star pattern with a torque wrench. Impact guns routinely overshoot this by 100 lb-ft or more, which warps rotors and stretches studs. ### Does the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer come with a spare tire? Compact temporary spare under the cargo floor (most trims). ## Sources - [Ford. What is the recommended engine oil for my vehicle? 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