The 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer sits in the modern three-row SUV era, balancing family utility with the road presence and everyday versatility that made the Explorer a familiar name in American garages. For owners, tire choice is less about vintage construction and more about matching the exact trim and wheel package already on the vehicle. This Explorer uses radial tires in two primary sizes, 245/60R18 and 255/50R20, depending on sub-model. That means the real decision starts with confirming whether the vehicle carries 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, then comparing the available tire options within the correct size for ride, appearance, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer
The 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the 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 trim level and the wheels currently on the vehicle before choosing a tire.
245/60R18 is a metric radial size in which 245 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size serves trims that use an 18-inch wheel setup rather than the larger 20-inch package. Its role in this application is straightforward: matching the proper wheel diameter and sub-model fitment. Buyers considering this size should confirm that the Explorer still retains its original wheel configuration and has not been changed to a different diameter.
255/50R20 is also a metric radial size, with a 255-millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. On the 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size belongs to trims equipped with the larger 20-inch wheel package and should not be treated as interchangeable with the 18-inch fitment. The lower-profile format changes the vehicle's tire and wheel presentation compared with the 245/60R18 setup. This is the right size to evaluate only after confirming that the Explorer is one of the sub-models or XLT configurations using 20-inch wheels.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer because tire size changes with trim and wheel package. Some versions use 18-inch wheels, while others use 20-inch wheels, so identifying the exact sub-model is the quickest way to narrow the correct tire size.
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2017 Ford Trucks Explorer Base
The 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer Base uses the 245/60R18 radial size rather than the larger 20-inch fitment found on other trims. Tire selection here starts with staying with the 18-inch wheel setup and confirming that the vehicle has not been changed to aftermarket wheels or a different wheel diameter.
The 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited uses the 255/50R20 radial size on a 20-inch wheel package. Choosing tires for this trim means focusing on the correct 20-inch fitment and verifying that the current wheels match the original diameter before replacing the tires.
The 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer Platinum uses 255/50R20 radial tires, placing it with the Explorer trims built around a 20-inch wheel. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important if the vehicle has seen previous tire or wheel changes, since this size should be matched to the proper setup.
The 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer Sport also uses the 255/50R20 radial size. For this sub-model, the main tire decision is not between multiple primary sizes, but making sure the vehicle still carries the correct 20-inch wheels and then selecting the tire that suits everyday driving needs.
The 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer XLT is the trim where extra care is needed, because it can use either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 depending on configuration. Tire choice for an XLT starts with physically confirming the wheel diameter on the vehicle, since both 18-inch and 20-inch fitments appear within this sub-model.
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
Tire questions for the 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer usually come down to trim-specific sizing, 18-inch versus 20-inch wheel fitment, and making sure the vehicle still has the wheel package it was built around. The FAQs below focus on size meaning, sub-model differences, selection priorities, and basic road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer uses two tire sizes: 245/60R18 and 255/50R20. The correct size depends on the sub-model and wheel package, with Base using 245/60R18, Limited, Platinum, and Sport using 255/50R20, and XLT appearing with either size depending on configuration.
The most important step is confirming the wheel diameter already on the vehicle before ordering replacement tires. A 245/60R18 tire belongs on an 18-inch wheel, while a 255/50R20 tire belongs on a 20-inch wheel, so trim level and actual wheel size both need to match before moving forward.
What size rim does a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer use?
A 2017 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 wheel diameter determines which tire size can be used, so it should be checked before replacing anything. An Explorer XLT deserves extra attention because it can appear with either setup, and any vehicle that has seen wheel changes in the past should be measured directly rather than identified by trim name alone.
Do all 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer does not use one tire size across every sub-model. Base uses 245/60R18, Limited, Platinum, and Sport use 255/50R20, and XLT can use either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 depending on how the vehicle is equipped.
That variation means sub-model identification matters before comparing tires. It also means the XLT should be checked especially carefully, since the trim name alone is not enough to settle the fitment question if the vehicle carries a different wheel package or has been changed from its original setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 tire for a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Start with the correct size for the vehicle's trim and wheel diameter, because the 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer uses either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20. Both are radial sizes, so the primary decision is not construction type but matching the proper tire to the wheel package already on the vehicle.
After size is confirmed, compare the tire's intended use with how the Explorer is driven, whether that means regular commuting, family travel, or occasional highway use. Wheel diameter, current wheel condition, and any past changes to wheels or suspension should also be checked so the replacement tire matches the actual vehicle setup.
How do I choose between the available 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer tires?
The first difference to settle is fitment, since the available choices are split between 245/60R18 and 255/50R20. Once the correct size is established, the comparison becomes more practical: choosing a tire that suits the Explorer's current wheel package, driving routine, and the owner's preference for maintaining the vehicle's intended stance.
A tire should not be chosen by appearance or trim name alone when two factory size paths exist. Looking at the wheel itself, confirming the size molded on the existing tire, and checking for prior changes to wheel diameter will usually prevent the most common ordering mistake on this generation of Explorer.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer tires?
The key rim-fitment detail on a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer is wheel diameter. The 245/60R18 size matches an 18-inch rim, while the 255/50R20 size matches a 20-inch rim, so choosing the tire begins with matching those numbers exactly.
Beyond diameter, it is wise to confirm that the wheels on the vehicle are the ones the Explorer is actually using today, especially if it was purchased secondhand. Aftermarket wheels, previous trim-package swaps, or a second set of wheels can change what size belongs on the vehicle even when the body and trim badges look unchanged.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer restoration or preservation project?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer, even though it is a much newer vehicle than a traditional collector car. Keeping the proper 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 size preserves the intended wheel-and-tire relationship for the specific trim and helps the vehicle retain the appearance of its original configuration.
A preservation-minded owner should first confirm which wheel package belongs on the exact sub-model and whether the vehicle still carries it. That is especially important with XLT models, since they can appear with either size, and appearance accuracy begins with matching the wheel diameter and tire profile to the vehicle's actual setup.
Which tire size gives a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer the proper trim-specific appearance?
The proper appearance starts with using the tire size tied to the vehicle's wheel package. On the 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer, Base uses 245/60R18, while Limited, Platinum, and Sport use 255/50R20, and XLT can use either depending on configuration.
That means the visual result is tied directly to the wheel diameter and tire profile already associated with the trim. Owners trying to maintain a stock-style presentation should verify the current wheels before replacing tires, since a prior wheel swap can change the Explorer's stance and alter the look even when the tire itself is brand new.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, lowering, or other changes to the vehicle's ride height or wheel package can all influence whether the correct factory size is still the size currently needed on that particular Explorer.
A modified vehicle should be checked at the wheel before replacement tires are chosen. Confirming the current rim diameter is the first step, and it is also smart to look at clearance around the fenders and suspension at full steering lock so the replacement tire matches the vehicle as it sits today.
What should I inspect before driving a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires?
Before driving a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, make sure the correct tire size was installed, and confirm that inflation pressures are set appropriately for the application. It is also smart to look over valve stems and verify that each tire seats properly on the wheel.
A short, careful road test can reveal rubbing, vibration, or steering issues that deserve attention before normal use. Rechecking air pressure after the first drives, and making sure the tire size matches the actual 18-inch or 20-inch wheel setup, helps catch simple fitment mistakes early.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Before a longer drive, make sure the 2017 Ford Trucks Explorer has the correct tire size for its trim and wheels, proper inflation, and no visible signs of damage such as cuts, bulges, or unusual wear. Tread condition and steady air retention are also worth checking before the vehicle is put into sustained road use.
Longer trips are a good time to verify the whole wheel-and-tire setup rather than just the rubber itself. An Explorer with older wheels, a recent tire change, or a history of modifications should be checked for clearance and general stability so the correct 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 fitment performs as expected on the road.
