In 2009, Lincoln’s truck and crossover lineup blended premium comfort with the larger stance American luxury buyers expected, with the MKX serving as a refined two-row crossover and the Navigator carrying Lincoln’s full-size SUV tradition. That gives 2009 Lincoln Trucks a surprisingly split tire story, because the year covers two distinct models rather than one shared fitment family. Across the two models, four radial sizes appear, and the practical choice comes down first to identifying whether you have an MKX or a Navigator, then confirming whether your wheels are 18-inch or 20-inch. Getting those two points right is the cleanest path to the correct tire category.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2009 Lincoln Trucks
Four tire sizes are used across 2009 Lincoln Trucks, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Since every size here is a radial but the rim diameters split between 18-inch and 20-inch wheels, the real decision is confirming your model first and your wheel diameter second. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the correct vehicle.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): MKX|Construction: Radial|Rim: 20-in rim
245/50R20 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 20-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 2009 Lincoln Trucks MKX rather than universal across the full model range. Buyers with an MKX on factory-style 20-inch wheels should stay with this size when they want to preserve the vehicle’s intended proportions and wheel fitment.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): MKX|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
245/60R18 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 2009 Lincoln Trucks MKX and pairs with 18-inch wheels rather than the MKX’s 20-inch fitment. It is the right direction for MKX owners who need the 18-inch application confirmed before narrowing down tire choices further.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Navigator|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
255/70R18 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 2009 Lincoln Trucks Navigator, so it applies to the full-size SUV and not to the MKX crossover. Navigator owners running 18-inch wheels should use this size as their starting point before comparing individual tire options.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Navigator|Construction: Radial|Rim: 20-in rim
275/55R20 is a metric radial size with a 275-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 20-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 2009 Lincoln Trucks Navigator and reflects the larger 20-inch wheel fitment used on that model. It is the size to focus on when your Navigator is equipped with 20-inch wheels and you want to keep the vehicle aligned with its intended tire dimensions.
Two Lincoln truck models are covered for 2009: the MKX and the Navigator. They do not share the same tire sizes, so identifying the model matters before you choose a tire, and wheel diameter matters next because each model appears with both 18-inch and 20-inch applications. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and tire choices to the vehicle you actually own.
2009 Lincoln Trucks MKX
The 2009 Lincoln Trucks MKX was Lincoln’s midsize luxury crossover, aimed at buyers who wanted car-like road manners in a premium utility package. Its tire fitments mount on either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, so the key distinction is which wheel package your MKX carries. That makes the MKX a model where wheel diameter confirmation is just as important as model identification.
The 2009 Lincoln Trucks Navigator continued Lincoln’s long-running full-size luxury SUV formula, with a larger footprint and a more traditional body-on-frame presence than the MKX. Its tires mount on either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels depending on the vehicle’s wheel setup. Because the Navigator uses its own size family, owners should match both model and wheel diameter before moving to a specific tire.
These answers focus on the split fitment picture for 2009 Lincoln Trucks, including which sizes belong to the MKX or Navigator, how modern metric radial sizing works, and what to check before putting a low-use luxury SUV or crossover back into regular service.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicles?
2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicles use four tire sizes across two models. The MKX uses 245/50R20 and 245/60R18, while the Navigator uses 255/70R18 and 275/55R20. Those sizes are not shared across both models, and the year includes both 18-inch and 20-inch rim diameters.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for 2009 Lincoln Trucks. You need to identify whether you have an MKX or a Navigator, then confirm whether the wheels are 18-inch or 20-inch before moving on to tread, brand, or other product details. Checking the sidewall on the current tire and verifying against the actual wheel is the safest way to avoid crossing MKX and Navigator fitments.
What does 245/50R20 mean on a 2009 Lincoln Trucks tire?
On a 2009 Lincoln Trucks tire, 245/50R20 is a metric radial size. The 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 20 is the wheel diameter in inches. Within the 2009 Lincoln Trucks range, this size belongs to the MKX.
Modern metric sizing gives you a quick read on the tire’s basic proportions, but the most important takeaway is still wheel compatibility. A 245/50R20 cannot replace an 18-inch fitment simply because the wheel diameter is different. If your MKX is equipped with 20-inch wheels, this is the size family to follow when comparing replacement tires.
Do all 2009 Lincoln Trucks models use the same tire size?
No, 2009 Lincoln Trucks models do not use the same tire size. The MKX has its own pair of sizes, 245/50R20 and 245/60R18, while the Navigator uses 255/70R18 and 275/55R20. Even where both models appear with 18-inch and 20-inch wheels, the actual tire dimensions are different.
That distinction matters because the MKX and Navigator serve very different roles within Lincoln’s lineup. The MKX is a midsize crossover, while the Navigator is a full-size SUV, so their tire sizing reflects different proportions and weight classes. If you are unsure which fitment applies, start with the model badge and current tire sidewall rather than assuming any 18-inch or 20-inch Lincoln truck tire will interchange.
Buying the Right Tire
What brands make tires for 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicles?
The 2009 Lincoln Trucks fitments here are organized around four modern metric radial sizes: 245/50R20, 245/60R18, 255/70R18, and 275/55R20. Because these are contemporary radial applications rather than vintage bias-ply sizes, buyers should expect the brand choice to be driven by the exact size matched to the MKX or Navigator.
The most useful way to approach brand selection on 2009 Lincoln Trucks is to begin with the correct model and wheel diameter, then compare the tires built in that exact size. An MKX owner comparing 18-inch and 20-inch fitments is making a different decision from a Navigator owner, even though both vehicles fall under the same year and make umbrella. Getting the fitment right first keeps the brand discussion relevant.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Lincoln Trucks tires?
The 2009 Lincoln Trucks sizes in this fitment range are all modern metric radials, so sidewall style considerations are usually more subtle than they are on collector-era wide whitewall or blackwall applications. The main visual difference tends to come from the tire line you choose within the correct size, rather than from a dramatic era-specific sidewall treatment.
For most 2009 Lincoln Trucks owners, the better buying question is not whether a sidewall looks period-correct, but whether the selected tire matches the vehicle’s intended appearance and wheel package. A 20-inch MKX or Navigator fitment carries a different visual balance than its 18-inch counterpart, so confirm size first and then compare the sidewall presentation among the tires available in that exact fitment.
How do I choose the right tire size for a 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle?
The right tire size for a 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle starts with the model. MKX fitments are 245/50R20 or 245/60R18, while Navigator fitments are 255/70R18 or 275/55R20. All four are radial sizes, so the key variables are model and wheel diameter rather than a bias-ply versus radial decision.
Once you know whether you have an MKX or a Navigator, confirm the wheel diameter on the vehicle before narrowing the choice further. That simple check prevents the most common mistake on this year and make, which is assuming that any Lincoln 18-inch or 20-inch truck fitment will work across both models. If the vehicle has had wheels changed over the years, verify the actual tire sidewall and wheel size before replacing anything.
Fitting & Setup
Do 2009 Lincoln Trucks tires require inner tubes?
The 2009 Lincoln Trucks fitments here are all modern radial sizes: 245/50R20, 245/60R18, 255/70R18, and 275/55R20. On vehicles from this era and in these size formats, replacement tires are generally paired with modern tubeless wheel-and-tire practice rather than the tube-type setups more common on earlier collector vehicles.
The practical step is to verify the exact sidewall marking and the wheel condition before installation, especially if the vehicle has aftermarket wheels or has been off the road for a long period. A clean, properly sealed wheel matters just as much as the tire itself. If there is any doubt about a previous repair, corrosion around the bead seat, or a changed wheel package, inspect the assembly before committing to a replacement plan.
Can the original 2009 Lincoln Trucks wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 2009 Lincoln Trucks wheels can only be used with tire sizes that match their rim diameter. The MKX uses either 18-inch or 20-inch fitments, and the Navigator also uses either 18-inch or 20-inch fitments, but the actual tire dimensions differ by model. A 20-inch wheel requires one of the correct 20-inch sizes, and an 18-inch wheel requires one of the correct 18-inch sizes.
That means wheel diameter compatibility is necessary but not sufficient. An 18-inch Navigator tire is not automatically an 18-inch MKX tire, and the same logic applies to the 20-inch fitments. If your 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle still wears its original wheels, match the replacement tire to that wheel diameter and to the specific model. If the wheels have been changed, confirm the actual wheel size before selecting a tire.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle when the tires are fitted?
A 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle should be stored on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone sources that accelerate rubber aging. Keeping the tires properly inflated helps the carcass hold its shape, and moving the vehicle occasionally prevents one section of the tread from carrying the load for months at a time.
Luxury crossovers and SUVs such as the MKX and Navigator are heavy enough that long static storage can create temporary flat spotting or encourage sidewall fatigue if pressures are neglected. For seasonal storage, many owners either roll the vehicle periodically or place it on stands in a way that follows the vehicle manufacturer’s lifting guidance. A breathable cover and a stable indoor environment help protect both the tires and the vehicle as a whole.
How long do tires on a 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle typically last?
Tires on a 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle should be judged by age and condition as much as by tread depth. Collector and low-mileage vehicles often age out their tires before they wear them out, so a five- to seven-year inspection mindset is sensible, and replacement becomes a serious consideration as tires approach about ten years from their manufacturing date. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the easiest way to check age.
That matters because a lightly used MKX or Navigator can still carry old tires that look acceptable at first glance. Rubber hardens over time, internal materials age, and sidewall cracking may begin long before the tread is gone. If your 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle spends more time parked than driven, treat calendar age as a maintenance item rather than waiting for obvious wear alone.
How often should tires on a 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle should be inspected before every drive and more carefully before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, punctures, tread damage, uneven wear, bulges, and signs of pressure loss. On a luxury SUV or crossover that may sit for stretches between uses, these quick visual checks matter more than many owners expect.
A more thorough inspection every few months is a good habit, especially if the vehicle is used seasonally or for road trips. Check inflation with a quality gauge, inspect the inside sidewall when possible, and make sure the spare is serviceable as well. Small problems are easier to catch in the garage than on the shoulder, and that is especially true for a heavier vehicle such as a 2009 Lincoln Trucks Navigator.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2009 Lincoln Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
The 2009 Lincoln Trucks sizes here are all modern radial fitments, which are the standard construction type for contemporary highway use. In practical terms, that means the MKX and Navigator are working with tire formats designed for normal road manners, predictable tracking, and everyday use when the tires are the correct size, properly inflated, and in sound condition.
Highway safety still depends on more than size alone. Tire age, inflation, alignment, load condition, suspension health, and brake condition all matter, especially on a heavier full-size SUV such as the Navigator. Before any sustained highway trip, confirm that the vehicle is on the correct model-specific size and that the tires show no cracking, bulges, or other age-related warning signs.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2009 Lincoln Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure for 2009 Lincoln Trucks tires should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the exact model and wheel package first, then stay within the tire manufacturer’s limits for the specific replacement tire. The MKX and Navigator use different size families, so pressure should never be transferred casually from one size to another or from one model to the other.
The practical approach is to check the driver-door placard or owner’s manual for your exact MKX or Navigator configuration and compare that guidance with the markings on the replacement tire. Pressure affects wear, ride quality, and load handling, and even two 20-inch fitments within the 2009 Lincoln Trucks range are not interchangeable in that respect. Use a quality gauge and check pressures cold for the most consistent reading.
What should I check before taking a 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle on a longer drive?
Before taking a 2009 Lincoln Trucks vehicle on a longer drive, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation. Confirm that the vehicle is wearing the correct size for its model and wheel diameter, since MKX and Navigator fitments are different even when both use 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.
That tire inspection should be part of a broader pre-trip check suited to a 2009 luxury crossover or SUV. Wheel lug torque, brake condition, steering response, battery health, fluid levels, and suspension noises all deserve attention before a long run. A few minutes spent checking the basics can turn a far more expensive roadside problem into a simple garage correction.
