The 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer sits in the modern SUV market as a family-sized vehicle with a strong emphasis on everyday road use, passenger comfort, and all-weather practicality. By this point, the Explorer had fully settled into its crossover-based role, so tire choice has a direct effect on ride character, appearance, and wheel fitment. This model uses radial tires in two primary sizes, 245/60R18 and 255/50R20, depending on sub-model and wheel package. That makes the real decision less about vintage construction and more about confirming the exact trim and rim diameter first. Once that is settled, the focus shifts to selecting the right modern radial for the vehicle's intended use and existing wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer
The 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the sub-model and wheel diameter. Both are radial metric sizes, but one fits an 18-inch wheel and the other fits a 20-inch wheel, so confirming the exact trim and actual rim diameter should come before comparing tire choices.
245/60R18 is a metric radial size in which 245 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size is used on 18-inch wheel applications and suits trims equipped with that smaller rim package. Its dimensions place it firmly in modern SUV tire territory, where ride quality and everyday drivability are usually part of the selection process. This is the size to evaluate when the vehicle carries 18-inch wheels and the goal is to stay with the proper rim diameter and overall fitment profile.
255/50R20 is a metric radial size that uses a 255-millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series profile, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. On the 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size belongs to 20-inch wheel configurations and is shared by several upper-trim or alternate wheel-package applications. Compared with the 18-inch fitment, it represents a different wheel-and-tire combination rather than a minor variation within the same setup. This size should be considered only after confirming that the Explorer has the correct 20-inch wheels and enough clearance for the tire dimensions already associated with that package.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer because tire size changes with trim level and wheel package. Some versions use the 18-inch setup, while others use the 20-inch setup, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first step before choosing a tire.
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2016 Ford Trucks Explorer Base
The 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer Base uses the 245/60R18 radial tire size on an 18-inch wheel setup. Tire selection here starts with staying in that metric radial fitment and then confirming that the vehicle still carries its original wheel diameter.
The 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited uses the 255/50R20 radial tire size with a 20-inch wheel package. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important before comparing tires, since this fitment is distinct from the Explorer's 18-inch option.
The 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer Platinum uses the 255/50R20 radial size. Tire choice for this sub-model centers on maintaining the correct 20-inch fitment and checking the actual wheel setup if the vehicle has seen aftermarket wheel or suspension changes.
The 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer Sport uses the 255/50R20 radial tire size. For this sub-model, the practical task is confirming the existing 20-inch wheel package first, then selecting a tire that matches the intended road use and preserves proper fitment.
The 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer XLT can use either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20, depending on the wheel package installed on the vehicle. That means the tire decision begins with verifying the actual rim diameter rather than assuming every XLT uses the same size.
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
Explorer tire questions usually come down to trim-specific size, 18-inch versus 20-inch wheel fitment, and what to verify before replacing a modern radial setup. These answers focus on the exact 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer and the decisions that matter most before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer uses either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20, depending on the sub-model and wheel package. Base models use 245/60R18, while Limited, Platinum, and Sport models use 255/50R20. XLT models can use either size, so trim and wheel setup both matter.
The key is to confirm the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle before choosing a tire. An Explorer that has changed hands, had wheels replaced, or received aftermarket upgrades may no longer match the original trim-based pattern, so checking the tire sidewall and the wheel itself is the safest starting point.
What size rim does a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer use?
A 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer uses either an 18-inch or 20-inch rim, depending on the tire size and sub-model. The 245/60R18 fitment matches an 18-inch rim, and the 255/50R20 fitment matches a 20-inch rim. Both are radial tire applications.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because the two Explorer tire sizes are tied to different wheel sizes. Once that is settled, it becomes much easier to compare the correct replacement tires and avoid ordering a size that belongs to a different trim or wheel package.
Do all 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer uses more than one tire size across its sub-model range. Base models use 245/60R18, Limited, Platinum, and Sport use 255/50R20, and XLT models can be found with either of those two sizes depending on wheel configuration.
That variation means trim name alone is not always enough, especially on an XLT. Looking at the current tire sidewall and confirming the wheel diameter will usually answer the fitment question quickly, and it also helps catch cases where a previous owner changed wheels or tires from the original setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer tire?
Start with the correct size for the specific Explorer: 245/60R18 or 255/50R20. Both are modern radial sizes, so the main fitment decisions are wheel diameter, the vehicle's actual trim or wheel package, and whether the current setup still matches the intended factory-style configuration.
After size is confirmed, compare the tire's intended road use, overall dimensions within that size, and compatibility with the existing wheels. It also helps to think about how the Explorer is driven, whether it sees highway miles, light seasonal use, or a mix of family and commuter duty.
How do I choose between the available 245/60R18 and 255/50R20 tires for a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The choice is not really between the two sizes unless the wheel package is also being changed. A 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer on 18-inch wheels needs 245/60R18, and one on 20-inch wheels needs 255/50R20. Each size belongs to a different rim diameter and trim-related setup.
Once the correct size is established, compare tires within that same size rather than across both sizes. That keeps the focus on proper fitment, maintains the intended wheel relationship, and reduces the chance of clearance or compatibility issues that can appear when changing wheel-and-tire combinations together.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer tires?
The most important rim-fitment detail is diameter, since the 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer uses either an 18-inch or 20-inch wheel depending on setup. Tire size must match that diameter exactly. Section width and overall tire dimensions also matter because they influence how the tire sits on the wheel and within the wheel opening.
Wheel width and the vehicle's current configuration should also be checked before replacement, especially if the Explorer has aftermarket rims. Staying with the proper diameter is only the first step; the full wheel-and-tire combination still needs to be sensible for clearance, suspension travel, and normal steering movement.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer restoration?
Yes. Even though a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer is a modern vehicle rather than a vintage restoration subject, correct tire fitment still matters for preserving its intended stance, wheel relationship, and overall appearance. Using the proper 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 size helps keep the vehicle visually consistent with its trim and wheel package.
Owners aiming for an original-style presentation should verify the current wheels before buying replacement tires. That is especially important on XLT models, which can use either size, and on any Explorer that may have received replacement wheels during its life. Proper fitment supports both appearance and everyday drivability.
How does tire size affect the appearance of a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Tire size has a noticeable effect on how a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer sits and presents itself. The 245/60R18 and 255/50R20 sizes belong to different wheel diameters, so they create different visual proportions between tire sidewall, wheel face, and wheel opening. That makes size an appearance issue as well as a fitment issue.
Choosing the size that matches the Explorer's actual wheel package helps maintain a balanced look without forcing a mismatch between tire and rim. If appearance is a priority, confirm the existing wheels first and avoid assuming that two trims with similar styling necessarily share the same tire-and-wheel combination.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Yes. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, lowering, and other modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer even when the vehicle started with a correct factory-style size. The Explorer's two primary tire sizes already involve different wheel diameters, so any change to the wheel-and-tire package should be reviewed carefully.
A modified Explorer should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, tire clearance, and steering movement before replacement tires are chosen. That matters most on XLT models, where either size may appear, but it is also important on any sub-model that may have been altered after its original sale.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires?
Check that the new tires match the vehicle's actual size and rim diameter, then inspect inflation pressure, wheel condition, valve stems, and lug hardware. It also makes sense to look over tread seating, sidewall condition, and any signs of rubbing once the Explorer is back on the ground.
A short, careful road test can reveal pulling, vibration, or contact issues that deserve attention before longer use. Since the Explorer can be found with either 18-inch or 20-inch wheel packages, confirming the complete wheel-and-tire setup after installation helps prevent simple fitment mistakes from becoming drivability problems.
How often should tires on a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Ford Trucks Explorer should be inspected regularly, not just at replacement time. Frequent checks for pressure loss, uneven wear, cuts, bulges, and sidewall cracking are worthwhile, especially on an SUV that may see a mix of commuting, family travel, and longer highway trips.
Inspection is also a good time to confirm that all four tires remain the correct size for the wheel package on the vehicle. Regular visual checks help catch aging or damage early, and they are particularly useful on Explorers that sit for stretches of time or have had wheels changed at some point.
