2020 Ford Explorer tire sizes & fitment

How to choose tires for the 2020 Ford Explorer ST

The 2020 Ford Explorer ST ships from the factory on 275/45R21 tires mounted on 21x9 wheels. Only one approved fitment is documented for this model year, so replacement options should match the original size exactly unless a plus-size upgrade is being considered.

Tire choice on the Ford Explorer comes down to three trade-offs that matter more than brand loyalty: load index (must equal or exceed the OEM number), speed rating (must match or exceed the placard), and UTQG treadwear (higher means longer life, lower usually means stickier rubber). Owners replacing factory tires with the same compound class, for example all-season for all-season, generally see no change in ride characteristics or fuel economy. Switching categories (performance summer to all-season touring, for example) is where the trade-offs show up at the contact patch.

Before purchasing, verify the tire size on the driver-door placard of your specific vehicle, since trim levels and option packages can shift the original fitment. The placard reading is the authoritative source.