2019 Ford Explorer — Tire Size & Pressure Guide

Quick answer

When you need the essential tire and wheel specifications for a 2019 Ford Explorer, here is the critical information you need before heading to the tire shop:

• OEM Tire Size: 245/60R18 (Base/XLT) or 255/50R20 (Limited, Sport, Platinum)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 35 PSI front / 35 PSI rear (refer to driver’s side door jamb placard to confirm)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 mm (5x4.5")
• Wheel Size & Offset: 18x8.0J (44mm offset) or 20x8.5J (44mm offset)
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 105H (for 18-inch wheels) or 105V (for 20-inch wheels)
• Spare Tire Size: T165/70R18 (Compact temporary spare)
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Ford offered the 2019 Explorer in multiple trims, primarily splitting the tire sizes between 18-inch and 20-inch options. Always check your current tire sidewall to ensure you are buying the correct replacement size.

(Note: Some XLT models could be equipped with optional 20-inch wheels through appearance packages.)

Recommended replacement tires

As a master technician, I see a lot of Explorers roll through the shop. Choosing the right tire depends heavily on your driving habits and budget. Here are my top recommendations for the 2019 Ford Explorer:

• Premium Tier: Michelin Defender LTX M/S – Exceptional tread life, quiet highway ride, and excellent wet traction. Best choice for high-mileage drivers and family hauling.
• Mid-Tier: Continental CrossContact LX25 – A fantastic balance of price and performance. It offers great all-season grip, a very comfortable ride, and features tread wear indicators tuned specifically for wet and snow conditions.
• Budget/Value Tier: Kumho Crugen HP71 – If you are on a tight budget but still want a safe, reliable all-season tire, the Crugen provides a smooth ride and decent longevity without breaking the bank.
• All-Weather/Snow Capable: Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail – For Sport or XLT owners who take their Explorer on mild trails or live in heavy snow areas, this crossover-specific all-terrain tire carries the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating.

When to inflate to max load psi

Because the 2019 Ford Explorer is a mid-size unibody SUV and not a Heavy Duty (HD) truck, the "max load" tire pressure rules are a bit different. You should generally stick to the 35 PSI recommended on the door placard for standard driving, even with a full load of passengers.

However, if you are towing near the maximum capacity (up to 5,000 lbs with the Class III Tow Package) or carrying a heavy payload, you can safely bump the rear tire pressure up by 2 to 3 PSI to reduce sidewall flex and heat buildup. Never exceed the maximum pressure listed on the tire's sidewall (typically 44 or 51 PSI for standard passenger/SUV tires).

Lug nut torque & pattern

Proper wheel installation is critical for safety and to prevent brake rotor warping.

• Lug Nut Torque: 100 lb-ft (135 Nm)
• Tightening Pattern: 5-lug star/cross pattern

Tech Tip: The 2019 Explorer is known for having two-piece lug nuts (a steel core with a cosmetic chrome/tin cap). Over time, moisture gets trapped between the layers, causing the cap to swell. If your 1/2-inch or 21mm socket no longer fits, the lug nuts have swollen and must be replaced. I highly recommend upgrading to solid, one-piece aftermarket lug nuts.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

When servicing the 5th-generation Ford Explorer, there are a few tire-related issues owners should monitor:

1. Rear Inner Tire Wear (Toe Link Issues): The rear suspension geometry on these Explorers is sensitive. Ford has issued recalls for rear toe links that can fracture or wear out prematurely. Worn toe links will cause excessive negative camber and toe issues, leading to severe inner tread wear on the rear tires. Have your suspension checked during every alignment.
2. AWD System Sensitivity: If you have an Intelligent 4WD Explorer, it is vital to keep tire circumferences matched. Replacing just one tire with a new one while the others are worn can cause stress on the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). If you suffer a blowout, it's often necessary to replace all four tires or have the new tire "shaved" to match the tread depth of the remaining tires.
3. Swollen Lug Nuts: As mentioned above, swollen two-piece lug nuts can leave you stranded on the side of the road if the factory lug wrench won't fit over them.

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