2020 Ford Explorer — Tire Size & Pressure Specs

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service the completely redesigned 2020 Ford Explorer. Whether you are dealing with a standard XLT or the high-performance ST, having the correct tire and wheel specifications is crucial for maintaining optimal handling, fuel efficiency, and safety.

Below is your complete guide to the 2020 Ford Explorer’s tire sizes, pressures, wheel specs, and torque requirements.

Quick answer: 2020 Ford Explorer tire & wheel specs

Here is the essential information you need at a glance. Always check your driver's side door jamb placard to confirm the exact specifications for your specific vehicle.

• OEM Tire Size: 255/65R18 (Base/XLT), 255/55R20 (Limited/Platinum), 275/45R21 (ST)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 35 PSI Front / 35 PSI Rear (up to 38 PSI for 21-inch ST tires)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 mm (5x4.5")
• Wheel Size & Offset: 18x8.5, 20x8.5, or 21x9.0. Offset ranges from +37.5 to +40 mm
• Load Index / Speed Rating: 111H (18-inch) / 107V (20-inch) / 107W (21-inch)
• Spare Tire Size: T165/70R18 (Compact temporary spare)
• TPMS Sensor Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

The 2020 Explorer transitioned to a rear-wheel-drive architecture, altering its handling dynamics and wheel options. Here is a breakdown of the standard and optional tire sizes by trim level:

Trim Level	Standard Tire Size	Optional/Upgrade Tire Size
Base / XLT	255/65R18	255/55R20 (XLT Sport Appearance)
Limited / Limited Hybrid	255/55R20	N/A
Platinum	255/55R20	275/45R21
ST	255/55R20	275/45R21 (Street Pack / Track Pack)

Recommended replacement tires

When it is time to replace the tires on your 2020 Explorer, matching the tire to your driving style is key. Here are my top recommendations based on performance, tread life, and budget:

1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S (Premium / $$-$$$) An industry benchmark for SUVs. It offers an incredibly quiet ride, excellent wet traction, and a tread life that often outlasts the warranty. Best for Base, XLT, and Limited trims.
2. Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II (Mid-Range / $$) A great choice if you value fuel efficiency and a comfortable highway ride. It handles well in light rain and offers a smooth, touring-focused feel.
3. Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail (Mid-Range / $$) For Explorer owners who do light off-roading or live in areas with frequent snow. It is an all-terrain tire specifically engineered for crossover and SUV unibody platforms.
4. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 (Premium / $$$) Highly recommended for the Explorer ST on 21-inch wheels. It provides the grip needed for the ST’s 400 horsepower while maintaining all-season versatility.

When to inflate to max load psi

Note: The max load inflation rules typically apply to Heavy Duty (HD) trucks hauling massive payloads.

Because the 2020 Ford Explorer is a passenger SUV (albeit a highly capable one with a towing capacity up to 5,600 lbs), you should stick to the cold tire pressure listed on your door placard (usually 35-38 PSI) for daily driving.

However, if you are towing a heavy trailer near the maximum capacity or loading the vehicle with seven passengers and cargo, you can increase the rear tire pressure by 2-3 PSI to reduce sidewall flex and improve stability. Never exceed the "Max Press" listed on the sidewall of the tire (which is typically 44 or 50 PSI for passenger tires).

Lug nut torque & pattern

A common mistake made by DIYers and hasty lube techs is improperly torquing the wheels.

• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 mm (5x4.5")
• Thread Size: M14 x 1.5
• Lug Nut Torque: 150 lb-ft (204 Nm)

Mechanic's Note: 150 lb-ft is significantly higher than older Explorer models. Always use a calibrated torque wrench in a standard star/cross pattern to ensure the rotor does not warp. Furthermore, Ford is known for two-piece lug nuts that can swell over time; consider replacing them with solid, one-piece aftermarket lug nuts.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

Working on the 2020 Explorer, I've noticed a few specific tire-related trends:

• Inner Edge Wear on the Rear: With the new independent rear suspension and rear-wheel-drive platform, aggressive driving or sagging rear springs (from heavy towing) can cause negative camber, chewing up the inner edge of the rear tires. Get an alignment check annually.
• Swollen Lug Nuts: As mentioned above, the OEM two-piece lug nuts often swell due to moisture and corrosion, making them impossible to remove with a standard 21mm socket on the side of the road.
• Tire Cupping: If you notice a "womp-womp" noise at highway speeds, check for cupped tires. This is usually caused by failing to rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

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