--- title: "Ford Explorer Tire Size: 255/65R18" description: "How the Ford Explorer tire sizes specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. Every one of 4 factory tire sizes fitted to the 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/tires" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Ford Explorer Tire Sizes, Pressure and Bolt Pattern The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Ford Explorer tire sizes specification changed by year? | Model years | Factory sizes | Bolt pattern | Lug torque | Front pressure | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/tires) | 255/65R18, 255/55R20, 275/45R21, 265/65R18 | 5x114.3 | 100 lb-ft | 33 PSI | | [2012-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/tires) | 245/60R18, 255/50R20, 265/45R20 | 5x114.3 | 100 lb-ft | 35 PSI | ## Full specifications by generation The tire sizes on a Ford Explorer is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2020-2025 Ford Explorer Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/tires) - [2012-2019 Ford Explorer Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/tires) ## Ford Explorer tire sizes: common questions ### What size tires does a Ford Explorer take? It varies by trim and wheel size, 4 factory fitments exist, from 255/65R18 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 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 Ford Explorer? 33 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 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 Ford Explorer come with a spare tire? Compact temporary spare under the cargo floor; Timberline carries a full-size spare. ## Sources - [2020 Explorer Owner's Manual, Capacities and Specifications (fordservicecontent.com)](https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?variantid=6725&languageCode=en&countryCode=USA&moidRef=G1635371&Uid=G1977553&ProcUid=G1988500&userMarket=CAN&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web) - [CarCareTruth, 2020-2026 Explorer oil type & capacity (from OEM manuals)](https://www.carcaretruth.com/engine-oil/ford-explorer-6th-gen) - [NHTSA recall 23V-675 / Ford 23S55, rear axle bolt replacement](https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=23V675) - [Ford recall 22S27 (NHTSA 22V-712), rear axle bolt software remedy](https://www.ford.com/support/campaign-details/22s27/) - [NHTSA recall 23V-342 (Ford 23S23), 360-camera blue image](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCLRPT-23V342-5662.PDF) - [Levittown Ford parts, FA-1947 / L1MZ-9601-A engine air filter (3.0L/3.3L)](https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/l1mz-9601-a.html) - [Ford Parts Giant, JX6Z-19N619-B cabin air filter, 2020 Explorer](https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/oem-2020-ford-explorer-cabin_air_filter.html) - [ExplorerST.org, factory H6 battery, fluid capacities (Mercon ULV, 75W-85 rear axle)](https://www.explorerst.org/threads/car-battery-recommendations.9879/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Explorer EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2021_Ford_Explorer.shtml) - [Goodyear / Mavis, 2021-2024 Explorer OE tire sizes by trim](https://www.goodyear.com/en-us/vehicles/Ford/Explorer/2024) - [Car and Driver, 2020 Explorer specs (fuel tank, curb weight, towing)](https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/explorer/specs/2020/ford_explorer_ford-explorer_2020) ## Find your exact Explorer - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012) More Ford Explorer guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/battery) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.