The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer sits in the modern three-row SUV market with a mix of family utility, upscale trims, and more specialized versions that push either sportier street presence or a more trail-oriented look. That variety matters at the tire level, because this Explorer uses four different primary radial sizes depending on sub-model: 255/65R18, 255/55R20, 275/45R21, and 265/65R18. Some trims stay with one wheel-and-tire package, while others can use more than one size. The real decision starts with identifying the exact trim and wheel diameter, then choosing a tire that matches how the vehicle is equipped and how it will be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel package. Rim diameter is the first thing to confirm because this Explorer can be equipped with 18-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch wheels, and some trims use more than one accepted size. Once that is settled, the decision becomes choosing the correct metric radial size for the vehicle's specific setup.
255/65R18 is a metric radial size in which 255 identifies the section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size supports trims that use an 18-inch wheel with a taller sidewall profile than the 20-inch and 21-inch alternatives. Its dimensions make it important to separate from the other Explorer fitments before ordering. This is the right size to evaluate only after confirming that the vehicle is equipped for the 18-inch setup that uses 255/65R18.
Fit(s): King Ranch, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST, ST-Line, and XLT
Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
255/55R20 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 55-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. It appears on several 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer trims, making it one of the more common fitments within this model range, but it is still not universal across every configuration. Compared with the 18-inch fitments, it pairs the same nominal width with a shorter sidewall and larger wheel diameter. This size should be chosen only after confirming that the Explorer's trim and wheel package call for the 20-inch arrangement.
275/45R21 is a metric radial size where 275 is the section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 21 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size is tied to trims and packages that use a larger 21-inch wheel and a wider tire than the 255-section alternatives. Its broader footprint and distinct rim diameter make it a separate fitment decision, not a casual substitution. This size is the one to evaluate when the Explorer is already equipped for the 21-inch wheel package.
265/65R18 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter section width, a 65-series profile, radial construction, and an 18-inch wheel diameter. Within the 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer range, it stands apart from 255/65R18 by using the same rim diameter but a wider section width and slightly taller overall diameter. That means it should not be treated as interchangeable simply because both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels. This is the correct size to assess for the Explorer configuration that specifically uses 265/65R18 rather than one of the narrower street-oriented fitments.
Tire fitment varies across the 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer lineup, and several trims use different wheel diameters as well as different tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model is essential before selecting a tire, especially on ST and XLT versions that can use more than one fitment.
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2022 Ford Trucks Explorer Base
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer Base uses an 18-inch radial fitment built around the 255/65R18 size. Tire selection for this trim starts with confirming that the vehicle still has the original wheel diameter and has not been changed to a different Explorer wheel package.
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer King Ranch uses the 255/55R20 radial size on a 20-inch wheel. That makes the buying decision fairly straightforward as long as the wheel setup is unchanged and the replacement tire matches the trim's 20-inch fitment.
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited uses the 255/55R20 radial size. For this trim, the main concern is staying with the proper 20-inch metric fitment and confirming that the vehicle is not running a different wheel package from another Explorer sub-model.
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited Hybrid also uses the 255/55R20 radial fitment. That keeps tire choice focused on the correct 20-inch size, with the usual need to verify actual wheel diameter if the vehicle has been modified or fitted with non-original wheels.
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer Platinum uses the wider 275/45R21 radial size on a 21-inch wheel. Tire selection here centers on matching that larger wheel-and-tire package rather than assuming a 20-inch Explorer fitment will cross over.
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer Platinum Hybrid uses the same 275/45R21 radial fitment as the non-hybrid Platinum. The important step is confirming the 21-inch wheel package and selecting a tire built for that exact metric size.
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer ST can use either 255/55R20 or 275/45R21, so this trim requires extra attention before ordering tires. The correct choice depends on which wheel package is actually on the vehicle, making wheel diameter the first item to verify.
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer ST-Line uses the 255/55R20 radial size. That gives it the same basic tire-sizing path as several other trims, with the key step being confirmation that the vehicle still carries its 20-inch wheel setup.
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer Timberline uses 265/65R18, a distinct 18-inch radial fitment within the Explorer range. Because another 18-inch Explorer size also exists, the buyer should confirm the full size code rather than relying on rim diameter alone.
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer XLT can use either 255/65R18 or 255/55R20 depending on its wheel package. That means tire selection starts with confirming whether the vehicle has the 18-inch or 20-inch setup before comparing replacement options.
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 exact tire sizes used on the 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer, how trim level affects fitment, and what to verify around wheel diameter, maintenance, and real-world road use before replacing tires.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer?
A 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer can use 255/65R18, 255/55R20, 275/45R21, or 265/65R18, depending on the exact sub-model and wheel package. All of these are radial metric sizes, but they are not shared across every Explorer trim, so the vehicle does not have one universal tire size.
The practical step is to confirm the exact trim and then check the size currently on the vehicle's sidewall or wheel setup. ST and XLT versions deserve extra attention because they can use more than one fitment, and the 18-inch Explorer sizes are not the same simply because they share the same rim diameter.
What size rim does a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer use?
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer uses 18-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch rims depending on sub-model. The associated tire sizes are 255/65R18 and 265/65R18 for 18-inch wheels, 255/55R20 for 20-inch wheels, and 275/45R21 for 21-inch wheels.
Wheel diameter is the first thing to verify before replacing tires because the Explorer range spans three different rim sizes. Looking only at the model name is not enough, especially on trims like ST and XLT that can be equipped with more than one wheel-and-tire combination within the same model year.
Why does the 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer have more than one tire size?
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer has more than one tire size because different trims use different wheel packages. Some versions use 18-inch wheels, others use 20-inch wheels, and upper trims can use 21-inch wheels, which changes the correct tire size even within the same model year.
That means tire replacement starts with the exact sub-model and actual wheel diameter, not just the vehicle's badge. A Base, Timberline, Platinum, ST, and XLT can point to different fitment paths, so matching the current wheel-and-tire setup is more important than assuming all Explorers in 2022 use the same size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Start with the correct size for the exact 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer trim: 255/65R18, 255/55R20, 275/45R21, or 265/65R18. From there, the main concerns are matching the vehicle's wheel diameter, keeping the intended tire width and profile, and making sure the replacement tire suits how the Explorer is used.
That selection process is especially important because this model range spans multiple wheel packages and two different 18-inch sizes. Checking the existing sidewall marking, the wheel itself, and any prior wheel changes helps prevent ordering a tire that looks close on paper but does not match the Explorer's actual setup.
How do I choose between the available 18-inch tires for a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The two 18-inch Explorer sizes are 255/65R18 and 265/65R18, and they serve different fitment roles within the 2022 model range. The first uses a 255-millimeter section width, while the second uses a 265-millimeter section width and a slightly taller overall diameter, so they should be treated as separate specifications.
Choosing between them is not a matter of preference alone; it depends on the exact sub-model and wheel-and-clearance setup. A Timberline uses 265/65R18, while other 18-inch Explorers can use 255/65R18, so confirming the full size code on the vehicle is more reliable than choosing only by rim diameter.
How do I choose between the available tire sizes for a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer ST or XLT?
The 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer ST can use 255/55R20 or 275/45R21, while the XLT can use 255/65R18 or 255/55R20. In both cases, the correct tire depends on which wheel package is actually on the vehicle rather than the trim name alone.
The easiest check is the current sidewall size, followed by the wheel diameter. That matters because moving from one listed size to another can also mean changing rim diameter, width, and overall fitment relationship, so the safe path is to replace tires to the exact setup already fitted unless the vehicle is being reconfigured deliberately.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer restoration or appearance project?
Yes. Even on a modern SUV like the 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer, correct tire fitment has a major effect on stance, wheel-to-tire proportion, and the overall finished look. Using the wrong size can change how the vehicle fills the wheel openings and can make a trim package look different from its intended presentation.
Appearance work should still begin with the exact sub-model and wheel package, since the Explorer range uses four different primary sizes. A Platinum on 275/45R21 presents differently from a Base on 255/65R18, so preserving the proper relationship between tire size and wheel diameter is a key part of keeping the vehicle visually coherent.
Which tire size best preserves the intended look of a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The tire size that best preserves the intended look of a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer is the one assigned to its exact trim and wheel package. That could mean 255/65R18, 255/55R20, 275/45R21, or 265/65R18, depending on whether the vehicle is a Base, XLT, Timberline, Platinum, ST, or another listed sub-model.
Matching the original size format and rim diameter keeps the sidewall height and wheel proportion in line with the vehicle's design. If an Explorer has already been modified with different wheels, compare the current setup carefully before replacing tires so the finished appearance remains balanced rather than accidentally over- or under-tired.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer even when the replacement tire matches one of the known factory sizes. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, suspension lowering or lifting, and body alterations can all influence clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering components.
That matters even more on a model that already uses multiple wheel diameters and widths across the trim range. An Explorer that has been changed from its original setup should be measured against the actual wheels on the vehicle, with attention to turning clearance and full suspension travel before moving ahead with a replacement tire.
What should I inspect before driving a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires?
Before driving a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires, inspect wheel condition, confirm the installed tire size, and make sure inflation pressure is set correctly for the application. It also helps to check for uneven wear signs that may point to alignment or suspension issues that could affect how the new tires wear.
A short visual clearance check is worthwhile as well, especially if the Explorer uses a larger wheel package or has had wheel changes in the past. Looking for rubbing near the inner liner, steering components, and outer fender area can catch fitment problems early, before the vehicle goes into normal road use.
How often should tires on a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer be inspected?
Tires on a 2022 Ford Trucks Explorer should be inspected regularly, not just when replacement time arrives. A quick routine check for tread wear, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage, and pressure loss helps catch problems early, particularly on vehicles that alternate between highway driving, family use, and periods of lower mileage.
It is also smart to inspect them before longer trips and after any impact with potholes or curbs. Because this Explorer can use several different low-profile and larger-diameter wheel packages, staying ahead of wear and damage helps protect ride quality, handling, and the overall fitment integrity of the tire-and-wheel package.
