Since its introduction more than 20 years ago, the Ford Explorer has slowly evolved to become one of the best-selling SUVs in the US. The formula for its success was simple, combining comfort and technology with Ford trucks’ reliability.
For that reason, in this article, we will explore which tires are the best for an SUV as iconic as the Explorer.
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Ford Explorer Tire Size Overview
Using the correct tire size is important, especially on vehicles as sophisticated as the Ford Explorer. This is because multiple systems such as ESC, ABS, ETC, and others assume that the Explorer uses the OEM tire size. Here is a summary of these sizes.
- OEM Tire(s): Hankook Kinergy GT, Michelin Primacy AS, or Pirelli Scorpion Zero
- Trim(s): Eddie Bauer, Limited, NBX, Sport Trac, XLS, XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport
- OEM Tire(s): Hankook Kinergy GT, Michelin Primacy AS, or Pirelli Scorpion Zero
- Trim(s): Eddie Bauer, Limited, Sport Trac (Adrenalin, Limited, and XLT), XLT, XLT Sport
- OEM Tire Size(s):
- Front/Rear: 255/50R20, 245/60R18
- OEM Tire(s): Hankook Kinergy GT, Michelin Primacy AS, or Pirelli Scorpion Zero
- Trim(s): Base, Limited, Platinum, Sport, XLT
- OEM Tire(s): Hankook Kinergy GT, Michelin Primacy AS, or Pirelli Scorpion Zero
- Trim(s): Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, ST, Timberline, XLT
Choosing New Ford Explorer Tires
Choosing a tire for your Explorer can be tricky. You may be wondering where to start? In this section, we’ll tackle this task by telling you what factors to focus on when selecting the best tires for your Ford Explorer.
What’s Your Weather Like?
The first aspect to take into consideration is the weather. Driving in rain and snow can be dangerous if you don’t have the right tires. For this reason, if you live in an area where weather conditions are often adverse, then you should favor tires with exceptional traction in wet, snow, and ice.
What Do You Use Your Ford Explorer For?
As we mentioned, the Explorer stands out for its versatility. How do you plan to use your SUV? Depending on the application, you may need a tire with greater longevity, better performance, or a lower price. For this reason, keep in mind the primary use that you will give your Explorer.
Comfort, Performance, Budget. Pick Two.
One of the most difficult tasks when choosing tires has to do with finding a balance between the different features. For example, high-performance tires tend to have poor durability; silent tires are generally the most expensive, and so on. In the following section, you will find the best tires for your Ford Explorer according to the most important aspects to you.
Comparison of the Best Tires for Ford Explorer
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The Best Tires for Ford Explorer
Since choosing tires can be a daunting task, we have compiled a curated list of the best tires to use on your Explorer. Ready to pick your next set of tires?
Best Overall
Continental CrossContact LX25
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.60 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.60 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.45 / 5
Treadwear: 4.60 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.25 / 5
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Just look at the Continental CrossContact LX25 ratings, and you will understand why we have selected it as the best overall tire for the Ford Explorer. The LX25 features exclusive technologies such as Continental’s Next Generation EcoPlus+ Technology, Comfort Ride Technology, and Traction Grooves which provide your Explorer with spectacular stopping power and an unmatched level of traction in dry, wet, and snow.
Moreover, the CrossContact LX25 offers over 90k miles of durability as well as one of the best manufacturer’s warranties in the industry. All in all, if you are looking for a tire with few compromises, the Continental CrossContact LX25 is for you.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 740 A A
Directional: No
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: 6 Years / 70K Miles
Price Range: $200 to $215 per tire
Best All Terrain Tires for Ford Explorer
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.60 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.55 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.45 / 5
Treadwear: 4.45 / 5
Offroad Performance: 4.40 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.30 / 5
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While the Continental CrossContact LX25 excels on-road, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S stands out both on- and off-road. Thanks to its Adaptive-Traction Technology and Secure-Grip all-terrain pattern, the Discoverer AT3 4S provides predictable dry, wet, snow, mud, dirt, and sand handling. Furthermore, despite being an all-terrain tire, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S offers ride quality similar to an all-season luxury tire.
In terms of durability, with proper maintenance, this tire can last between 75k and 90k miles, quite an achievement given its category. In short, if you plan to use your Ford Explorer both on and off-road, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is your best choice.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 620 A B
Directional: No
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: 6 Years / 65K Miles
Price Range: $226 to $256 per tire
Best Cheap Tires for Ford Explorer
Kumho Crugen HP71
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.45 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.20 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.25 / 5
Treadwear: 4.00 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 3.75 / 5
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For many Explorer owners, the most important factor is the price. To that end, no other tire will give you the value of the Kumho Crugen HP71. For a ridiculously low price, the Crugen HP71 offers you a tread life in excess of 65k miles, a generous manufacturer’s warranty, and an excellent wet and dry grip. In terms of comfort, the Kumho Crugen HP71 gives you above-average ride quality which is a big plus during commuting.
While its snow/ice performance is not the best, this tire is certainly a great alternative for those who live in areas with mild winters.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 640 A A
Directional: No
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: 6 Years / 65K Miles
Price Range: $170 to $200 per tire
Best All-Season Tires for Ford Explorer
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.65 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.60 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.55 / 5
Treadwear: 4.40 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.15 / 5
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For many, the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II could be a better choice than the Continental CrossContact LX25. In fact, both are premium tires that employ state-of-the-art technology to provide a safe and reliable driving experience. In the case of the Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II, it is geared towards drivers looking for increased dry grip and upscale ride quality. To do so, this tire sacrifices some durability and snow/ice performance, so like the Kumho Crugen HP71, it is more recommended for areas where your Explorer does not have to face harsh winters.
In short, if you are looking for a tire that provides excellent performance along with a smooth and quiet on-road ride, the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II will not disappoint.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: 740 A A
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: Unlimited / 65K Miles
Price Range: $180 to $228 per tire
Best Winter Tires for Ford Explorer
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
Ratings (out of 5)
Dry Performance: 4.30 / 5
Wet Performance: 4.60 / 5
Overall Comfort: 4.40 / 5
Treadwear: 4.15 / 5
Snow/Ice Performance: 4.70 / 5
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There are occasions when it is necessary to use special winter tires. For those winters where snow and icy roads are common, the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is your best ally. This is a tire designed from the ground up to be the ultimate winter tire. Bridgestone’s adaptive NanoPro Tech Multicell compound, along with its microscopic bite particles, provides a fantastic grip on slippery surfaces.
In fact, for your peace of mind, the Blizzak DM-V2 radial meets the industry’s severe snow service requirements. All in all, you won’t find a safer winter tire for your Ford Explorer than the incredible Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2.
Other Specifications
UTQG Rating: None
Directional: Yes
TireRack Road Hazard Protection: Yes
Treadlife Warranty: None
Price Range: $195 to $225 per tire
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer is a fantastic SUV, which is why it deserves the best tires. Which one is right for you? That will largely depend on the aspects we have mentioned in this article, such as weather in your area, use case, preferences, driving style, and more. As long as you keep these aspects in mind, you will be able to choose from our list of tires the one that best suits your needs.
People Also Ask
Do you have questions about which tire is best for your Explorer? In this section, we will answer all your questions.
Yes, technically, you can put off-road tires like the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S on your Ford Explorer. However, you should keep in mind that the Explorer is a more on-road-oriented SUV, so using all-terrain tires may impact ride quality and fuel consumption.
Despite being a four-wheel-drive vehicle (4WD), the Ford Explorer is not an SUV made for off-roading. This is mainly because it does not have any kind of low gear gearbox or wheel lockers like the Toyota 4Runner.
That said, the new Ford Explorer Timberline offers more aggressive entry and exit angles than the other versions, along with upgraded shock absorbers that allow it to drive on dirt trails with relative ease.