The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer sits in the modern three-row SUV market, where family utility, highway comfort, and trim-specific styling all shape the wheel-and-tire package. In this generation, the Explorer moved further into distinct trim personalities, so tire selection is tied closely to the exact sub-model and wheel size on the vehicle. Primary fitments are radial only, with 255/65R18, 255/55R20, and 275/45R21 all used across the lineup. That means the real decision is less about old-versus-new construction and more about matching the correct rim diameter, profile, and trim-level setup. Before choosing replacements, confirm the Explorer's sub-model and the wheels currently on it.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer
Three tire sizes apply to the 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer, and they vary by sub-model and wheel diameter rather than by older construction choices. The first step is confirming both the exact trim and the wheels currently on the SUV, because this Explorer uses 18-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch rim fitments. Once that is verified, the decision becomes choosing the right radial size for the vehicle's specific setup.
255/65R18 is a metric radial size in which 255 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size belongs to 18-inch-wheel configurations rather than the larger-wheel trims. Its overall dimensions place it in the same general size range as the other Explorer fitments, but it is still a distinct replacement size. Use it only after confirming the vehicle's trim level and current wheel package, especially if the Explorer has changed hands or received aftermarket wheels.
Fit(s): Limited, Limited Hybrid, Platinum, ST, and XLT
Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
255/55R20 follows the same modern metric radial format, with a 255-millimeter nominal width, a 55-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. This is one of the most widely used tire sizes across the 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer lineup, appearing on several sub-models and on some trims that could also be equipped with another wheel size. That makes wheel confirmation especially important on vehicles such as the Platinum, ST, and XLT. Choose this size when the Explorer is actually riding on 20-inch wheels and the trim's original setup supports it.
275/45R21 is a metric radial size with a wider 275-millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series profile, and a 21-inch wheel diameter. On the 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer, this fitment is associated with specific higher-wheel-package configurations rather than the entire model range. Compared with the other Explorer sizes, it reflects a different wheel-and-tire presentation, so it should not be treated as interchangeable simply because it appears on the same model family. It is the right choice only when the SUV has the corresponding 21-inch wheel setup and adequate clearance remains unchanged.
Tire fitment on the 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer depends heavily on sub-model, and several trims use more than one wheel-and-tire combination. Checking the exact trim matters before replacing tires, because the Explorer range spans 18-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch fitments.
1
2020 Ford Trucks Explorer Base
The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer Base uses a single radial tire fitment tied to its 18-inch wheel package. That makes replacement more straightforward, but the wheel size should still be confirmed before purchase if the SUV has had any wheel changes since new.
The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited uses one primary radial tire size matched to a 20-inch rim. Selection centers on choosing the correct replacement within that wheel package rather than sorting through multiple Explorer fitments.
The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited Hybrid also uses a single 20-inch radial fitment. Tire replacement is mainly a matter of matching that size correctly and confirming the current wheels if the vehicle has been modified or fitted with a different package.
The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer Platinum can use either a 20-inch or 21-inch radial tire package. That means tire selection starts with verifying which wheel setup is actually on the SUV, since the correct replacement depends on the existing rim diameter.
The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer ST is another trim with more than one radial tire fitment. Before ordering replacements, confirm whether the ST is equipped with 20-inch or 21-inch wheels so the new tires match the current configuration.
The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer XLT can be found with either 18-inch or 20-inch radial tire sizing. That makes the wheel package the key detail, because the right replacement depends on which setup the vehicle carries today.
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
These FAQs focus on the 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer's trim-specific tire sizes, wheel diameters, and practical fitment checks. They also cover how to choose the right replacement once the Explorer's exact sub-model and wheel setup are confirmed.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer uses three primary tire sizes across the model range: 255/65R18, 255/55R20, and 275/45R21. All of them are radial sizes, and the correct one depends on the Explorer's exact sub-model and wheel package rather than the model name alone.
The important next step is confirming the wheel diameter currently on the SUV. An Explorer Base may use an 18-inch fitment, while other trims can use 20-inch or 21-inch tires, and some sub-models were offered with more than one size. Checking the trim badge and reading the sidewall on the current tires helps prevent ordering the wrong replacement.
What size rim does a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer use?
A 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer can use 18-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch rims, depending on the sub-model and wheel package. Those rim diameters correspond to the three primary tire sizes used on the Explorer: 255/65R18, 255/55R20, and 275/45R21.
Rim diameter is the first fitment detail to verify because the tire must match the wheel exactly. A 20-inch tire will not mount on an 18-inch or 21-inch rim, even if the vehicle is the same year and model. On trims with more than one possible fitment, physically checking the wheels and current tire sidewalls is the safest way to confirm replacement size.
Why does the 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer have more than one tire size?
The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer has more than one tire size because different sub-models and wheel packages use different rim diameters. The lineup spans 18-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch fitments, so tire sizing changes with the trim and the wheels installed on that specific SUV.
That means replacement tires should be selected by exact configuration, not by model name alone. The XLT, Platinum, and ST are especially important to verify because they can appear with more than one wheel-and-tire setup. Even within the same model year, the correct size comes down to the current wheels, so checking the vehicle before purchase avoids mismatched fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Start with the exact tire size and rim diameter used on the Explorer's current setup. The 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer uses 255/65R18, 255/55R20, or 275/45R21, so the right choice begins with confirming the trim and wheel package rather than comparing tire options across the whole model line.
After size is confirmed, focus on whether the replacement matches the SUV's intended use and existing wheel configuration. A daily-driven family Explorer, a higher-trim street setup, and a vehicle with aftermarket wheels can each call for a different fitment check. Clearance, wheel width, and unchanged suspension height all matter before moving ahead with a new set.
How do I choose between the available tires for a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The best way to compare tires for a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer is to narrow the decision to the correct size first. Once the vehicle's wheel diameter is confirmed, compare options within that exact size rather than trying to choose among 18-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch fitments at the same time.
From there, think about how the Explorer is used and whether the current wheel package is original or changed. Tires that share the same size can still differ in construction details and intended character, so matching the vehicle's actual setup matters more than choosing by appearance alone. Double-checking the sidewall on the current tires is a smart final step.
What tire series are available for the 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The main tire-selection question for the 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer is not a vintage-style series choice, but matching the correct modern metric radial size to the right wheel package. The Explorer uses 255/65R18, 255/55R20, and 275/45R21 across its sub-models, so fitment depends on configuration first.
That makes the practical comparison process simpler: verify the trim, verify the wheel diameter, and then compare replacements within that one size. Because this Explorer uses modern radial sizing, the buyer's focus should stay on correct dimensions and wheel compatibility rather than trying to translate older bias-ply or alphanumeric tire conventions.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer restoration?
Correct tire fitment still matters on a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer, especially if the goal is to return the SUV to its proper trim-level appearance and stance. Since this Explorer used multiple wheel-and-tire packages across the lineup, the right size is tied to the exact sub-model and the wheel diameter it carried.
A restoration-minded replacement starts by confirming whether the vehicle should be on 18-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch wheels. That keeps the tire choice aligned with the SUV's intended presentation and avoids mixing trim-specific fitments. When originality matters closely, vehicle records and trim-specific references are worth checking before replacing wheels or tires.
How does tire fitment affect the appearance of a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Tire fitment has a visible effect on a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer because each primary size is tied to a different wheel diameter and profile. An 18-inch setup presents the SUV differently than a 20-inch or 21-inch package, even though all three sizes belong to the same model family.
That is why appearance-minded buyers should avoid selecting a size simply because it came on another Explorer trim. Matching the existing wheel package keeps the proportions closer to the vehicle's intended look and helps avoid clearance surprises. Any change in wheel size should be treated as a separate fitment decision, not just a tire replacement.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer. Wheel changes, altered offset, suspension lowering or lifting, and body or brake-package changes can all influence whether 255/65R18, 255/55R20, or 275/45R21 remains the right size for the vehicle's current setup.
That matters most on trims already offered with multiple factory wheel packages, because it is easy to assume the wrong size based on trim name alone. An Explorer with aftermarket wheels should be checked for actual rim diameter, width, and clearance at full steering lock before replacement tires are chosen. Sidewall markings on the current tires provide a useful starting point.
What should I inspect before driving a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires?
Before driving a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires, confirm that all four tires match the intended size for the vehicle's wheel setup and that inflation is set correctly for the application. It is also smart to inspect the wheels for damage and make sure the tires seat properly on the rims.
A short visual and mechanical check can prevent early trouble. Look for rubbing at the fenders or inner wheel wells, especially if the Explorer has non-stock wheels or suspension changes. Uneven wear on the old tires, vibration, or pulling can point to alignment or chassis issues that should be addressed before putting regular road miles on the new set.
How often should tires on a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer be inspected?
Tires on a 2020 Ford Trucks Explorer should be inspected regularly, not just when replacement time arrives. A quick check of tread condition, visible cuts, sidewall damage, and air pressure helps catch problems early, especially on an SUV that may see family travel, highway miles, or seasonal use patterns.
It also helps to inspect the tires before longer drives and any time road feel changes. A vibration, pull, or sudden pressure loss can signal a developing issue even when tread still looks usable. Owners of Explorers with larger wheel packages should pay close attention to curb damage and clearance signs, since low-profile fitments can show those problems sooner.
