The 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer sits in the modern era of the long-running Explorer name, blending three-row family utility with the more substantial road presence buyers expect from a midsize SUV. By this point, tire choice matters as much for stance and everyday drivability as it does for basic replacement fitment. The 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer uses radial tires in either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20, depending on sub-model and wheel setup. That means the real decision starts with confirming the exact trim and rim diameter, then choosing the right size for appearance, road use, and wheel compatibility. A careful match helps preserve both proper fitment and the Explorer's intended character.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer, and the difference is tied to sub-model and wheel diameter. Both are radial fitments, but one uses an 18-inch rim and the other uses a 20-inch rim, so the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and checking which wheels are actually on the vehicle before selecting a tire.
245/60R18 is a metric radial size in which 245 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size is part of the primary fitment range and is tied to 18-inch wheel applications. Its overall dimensions place it firmly in modern SUV sizing, so selection should center on matching the vehicle's existing wheel diameter and intended trim-level fitment. It is the size to evaluate when the Explorer is equipped with the 18-inch wheel setup rather than the larger 20-inch package.
255/50R20 is a metric radial size where 255 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 20 indicates a 20-inch rim. For the 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size belongs to the larger-wheel fitment used on certain sub-models and wheel combinations. Compared with the 18-inch fitment, the key practical distinction is not construction but wheel diameter and the tire profile that goes with it. This is the size to consider when the vehicle has the 20-inch wheel setup and the trim or current wheel package calls for that larger rim.
Tire fitment on the 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer is not the same across every sub-model, and wheel diameter is part of the difference. Checking the exact trim matters here because some versions use only one size, while the XLT can appear with either of the two primary fitments.
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2015 Ford Trucks Explorer Base
The 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer Base uses the 245/60R18 radial tire size with an 18-inch wheel setup. Tire selection for this sub-model starts with staying in that size and confirming that the wheels on the vehicle have not been changed from the original diameter.
The 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited uses the 255/50R20 radial tire size on a 20-inch wheel application. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before replacement, since this trim does not share the smaller 18-inch fitment used elsewhere in the Explorer range.
The 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer Sport also uses the 255/50R20 radial tire size with a 20-inch rim. Choosing tires for this sub-model means matching that larger wheel diameter and avoiding assumptions based on other Explorer trims that may use the 18-inch setup.
The 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer XLT can use either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20, depending on the wheel package on the vehicle. The practical step is to verify the actual rim diameter before buying tires, since the XLT spans both of the primary Explorer fitments.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions for the 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer usually center on the correct tire size by trim, the difference between the 18-inch and 20-inch fitments, and what to inspect before replacing or driving on tires.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer uses either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20, depending on sub-model and wheel setup. Both are radial tire sizes, but they are not the same fitment because they correspond to different rim diameters and different trim applications across the Explorer range.
The most important step is confirming which wheels are actually on the vehicle before ordering tires. A Base model uses 245/60R18, Limited and Sport use 255/50R20, and XLT can use either size, so trim level alone is helpful but the wheel itself should still be checked.
What size rim does a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer use?
A 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer uses either an 18-inch or 20-inch rim, depending on the tire size and sub-model. The 245/60R18 fitment uses an 18-inch rim, while the 255/50R20 fitment uses a 20-inch rim.
That rim diameter must match the tire exactly, so it is the first thing to verify on any Explorer with replacement wheels or uncertain trim history. Looking at the current tire sidewall or measuring the wheel can prevent ordering the right tire size for the wrong wheel diameter.
Do all 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base uses 245/60R18, Limited and Sport use 255/50R20, and the XLT can be found with either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20.
That variation means tire selection starts with identifying the exact sub-model and then confirming the actual wheels on the vehicle. The XLT especially deserves a close look, since it spans both primary fitments and can easily be misidentified if the purchase is based on model name alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Start with the correct primary size for the vehicle: 245/60R18 or 255/50R20. Since both are radial fitments, the key factors are matching the tire to the Explorer's actual wheel diameter, confirming the trim application, and avoiding crossover between the 18-inch and 20-inch setups.
Beyond size, think about how the Explorer is used and whether its wheels are still original. A daily-driven SUV, a lightly used family vehicle, and an Explorer with aftermarket wheels may all need a closer look at wheel width, clearance, and overall compatibility before a final tire choice is made.
How do I choose between 245/60R18 and 255/50R20 tires for a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The choice is determined by the wheel package on the vehicle, not by preference alone. A 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer with 18-inch rims uses 245/60R18, while one with 20-inch rims uses 255/50R20, so the correct size follows the actual wheel diameter already on the SUV.
Checking the tire sidewall and confirming the wheel size prevents costly mistakes, especially on XLT models that can use either setup. A buyer should also account for any wheel changes made by a previous owner, since trim-level expectations do not always match the wheels currently installed on the vehicle.
Why does the 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer have more than one tire size?
The 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer has more than one tire size because different sub-models and wheel packages use different fitments. The model range includes both an 18-inch application with 245/60R18 and a 20-inch application with 255/50R20, rather than one universal size across every trim.
That matters because replacement tires need to match the wheel diameter already on the vehicle. It also means a quick trim check is not always enough, particularly on the XLT, where either size may appear, so confirming the actual wheel and tire combination is the safer way to select correctly.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer restoration or preservation project?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer that is being preserved in original-style condition. Using the proper 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 size keeps the vehicle aligned with its intended wheel package and helps maintain the overall look and stance tied to that configuration.
Appearance is only part of the equation, though, because the wrong size can also create avoidable fitment issues. Anyone aiming for a faithful presentation should verify the trim and wheel diameter first, then compare any replacement choice against the existing setup rather than relying on a broader Explorer fitment assumption.
How does tire size affect the appearance of a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Tire size has a visible effect on the 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer because the vehicle uses two distinct wheel-and-tire presentations. The 245/60R18 fitment is tied to an 18-inch setup, while 255/50R20 belongs to a larger 20-inch package, so each combination gives the Explorer a different visual balance.
That makes size choice especially important when preserving the look of a specific trim. Even when both sizes are correct somewhere in the Explorer lineup, the right decision for one vehicle is the one that matches its actual wheels and intended configuration rather than simply choosing whichever size is easier to find.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer, even when the tire size matches a known Explorer application. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, spacer use, or body changes can alter clearance and create issues that would not appear on a stock vehicle.
That is why wheel diameter alone is not the only check before replacement. An Explorer with changed wheels should also be checked for wheel width, offset, and clearance at full steering lock and suspension movement so the selected tire works with the actual setup on the vehicle.
What should I inspect before driving a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires?
Before driving a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires, inspect the wheel condition, confirm the tire size matches the rim diameter, and check inflation, valve stems, and lug hardware. It is also wise to look over alignment-related wear points and make sure there is no rubbing at the inner fender or suspension.
A short initial road test can reveal vibration, pull, or clearance issues before the vehicle is put into regular service. Rechecking pressure after installation and verifying that the tires remain evenly seated on the wheels helps catch small setup problems early, especially on a used SUV with an uncertain maintenance history.
How often should tires on a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer be inspected?
Tires on a 2015 Ford Trucks Explorer should be inspected regularly, not just when replacement time arrives. A visual check for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, cracking, embedded objects, and pressure loss is a sensible routine, especially on an SUV that may see family use, seasonal driving, or longer highway trips.
Mileage is only part of the story, since age and storage conditions also matter. An Explorer that sits for long periods still needs periodic tire checks, and any change in ride feel, steering response, or visible sidewall condition deserves attention before the next drive rather than waiting for a scheduled service visit.
