The best tires for Ford Explorer 255/50R20 are the ones that match your door placard, because 255/50R20 only fits certain years. Public fitment charts list it on 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport and Platinum trims with 20-inch wheels. The 2020 and newer Explorer lists 255/55R20, a different size, so those owners should not order from this page.
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All ten listings below are 255/50R20 or are described as that size. Details come from the listings and public fitment charts, not from our own road testing.
| Travelstar UN66 255/50R20 All-Season CUV/SUV Tires (4-Pack) |  | All-season, set of four | Tire Size: 255/50R20 | Season: All-season | Load Index: 105 (2,039 lb), per listing | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Blackhawk Agility SUV All-Season Performance Tire 255/50R20 |  | All-season performance, XL | Tire Size: 255/50R20 | Season: All-season | Load Index: 109 XL (2,271 lb) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Fullway HP108 All-Season Truck/SUV Performance Tire 255/50R20 |  | Budget all-season, single tire | Tire Size: 255/50R20 | Season: All-season | Load Index: 109 XL (2,271 lb) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Headway HU906 Truck/SUV All-Season High Performance Tire 255/50R20 |  | High-performance all-season (W) | Tire Size: 255/50R20 | Season: All-season | Load Index: 109 XL (2,271 lb) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Milestar MS932 Sport All- Season Radial Tire-P255/50R20 109V |  | Sport all-season (V) | Tire Size: P255/50R20 | Season: All-season | Load Index: 109 (2,271 lb) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Evoluxx Capricorn 4X4 All-Season Truck/SUV Tire 255/50R20 |  | Truck/SUV all-season, XL | Tire Size: 255/50R20 | Season: All-season | Load Index: 109 XL (2,271 lb) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Falken Aklimate All Weather 255/50R20 109V XL Passenger Tire |  | All-weather option | Tire Size: 255/50R20 | Season: All-weather | Load Index: 109 XL (2,271 lb) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 SUV Tire |  | Premium all-season (confirm size) | Tire Size: Not in listing title | Season: All-season | Load Index: 109V XL, per listing | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Fullway HP108 All-Season Truck/SUV Tires 255/50R20 (4-Pack) |  | Budget all-season, set of four | Tire Size: 255/50R20 | Season: All-season | Load Index: 109 XL (2,271 lb) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Atturo AZ600 All-Season Touring Tire 255/50R20 |  | Touring all-season (H) | Tire Size: 255/50R20 | Season: All-season | Load Index: 109 XL (2,271 lb) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Travelstar UN66 255/50R20 All-Season CUV/SUV Tires (4-Pack)
Listed as a set of four 255/50R20 all-season CUV and SUV tires with an asymmetrical tread and M+S marking. The listing gives a 105 load index, which is lower than the 109 on the XL tires below, so check it against your placard.
Good fit if: you have a 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport or Platinum on 20-inch wheels. Not a fit for: 2020 and newer Explorers, which list 255/55R20.
- Tire Size:255/50R20
- Season:All-season, M+S
- Load Index:105 (2,039 lb per tire), per listing
- Pack:Set of four
- Tread:Asymmetrical, per listing
- Speed Rating:H, per listing
Pros
- Four-tire set in the right size
- Asymmetrical tread listed for dry and wet roads
- M+S marking per listing
Cons
- Load index 105 is lower than most XL options here
- Little independent information on this model
Blackhawk Agility SUV All-Season Performance Tire 255/50R20
Listed as a 255/50R20 XL all-season performance tire with a 109 load index and a symmetrical tread. The listing mentions a treadwear warranty, but the mileage is not something we could verify, so read it on the listing.
Good fit if: you have a 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport or Platinum on 20-inch wheels. Not a fit for: 2020 and newer Explorers, which list 255/55R20.
- Tire Size:255/50R20
- Season:All-season
- Load Index:109 XL (2,271 lb per tire)
- Tread:Symmetrical, per listing
- Speed Rating:Not shown in the title
- Warranty:Check the listing
Pros
- XL 109 load index
- Symmetrical tread allows simple rotation
- Sold under a performance label
Cons
- Speed rating is not in the listing title
- Brand is less established than major makers
Fullway HP108 All-Season Truck/SUV Performance Tire 255/50R20
Listed as a 255/50R20 Fullway HP108 all-season truck and SUV performance tire, XL, 109V. This listing is for a single tire; the 4-pack further down is a separate listing of the same model. Check how many tires you will receive.
Good fit if: you have a 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport or Platinum on 20-inch wheels. Not a fit for: 2020 and newer Explorers, which list 255/55R20.
- Tire Size:255/50R20
- Season:All-season
- Load Index:109 XL (2,271 lb per tire)
- Speed Rating:V (149 mph)
- Tread:Asymmetrical, per listing
- UTQG:380 AA, per listing
Pros
- Low-cost option in the right size
- XL load index 109
- V speed rating
Cons
- Budget brand with limited independent data
- Make sure you order the right quantity
Headway HU906 Truck/SUV All-Season High Performance Tire 255/50R20
Listed as a 255/50R20 XL all-season high-performance tire with a W speed rating. A higher speed rating usually goes with a firmer tread compound that may wear faster, and the listing does not give a treadwear mileage.
Good fit if: you have a 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport or Platinum on 20-inch wheels. Not a fit for: 2020 and newer Explorers, which list 255/55R20.
- Tire Size:255/50R20
- Season:All-season
- Load Index:109 XL (2,271 lb per tire)
- Speed Rating:W (168 mph)
- UTQG:500 AA, per listing
- Treadwear Warranty:Not listed
Pros
- W speed rating and XL load
- 500 treadwear grade per listing
- Clean black-sidewall look
Cons
- Treadwear mileage not listed
- Performance focus may wear faster
Milestar MS932 Sport All- Season Radial Tire-P255/50R20 109V
Listed as a P255/50R20 109V sport all-season radial. P-metric means a passenger-car rating, which is the same style as most factory Explorer tires. The listing is for the tire only; you need your own wheel.
Good fit if: you have a 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport or Platinum on 20-inch wheels. Not a fit for: 2020 and newer Explorers, which list 255/55R20.
- Tire Size:P255/50R20
- Season:All-season
- Load Index:109 (2,271 lb per tire)
- Speed Rating:V (149 mph)
- Tread:Wide ribs, angled sipes, per listing
- Sold As:Tire only, no wheel
Pros
- P-metric size like the factory fitment
- 109V load and speed
- Ribbed tread listed for wet and dry grip
Cons
- Little independent data on this model
- Tire only; mounting is extra
Evoluxx Capricorn 4X4 All-Season Truck/SUV Tire 255/50R20
Listed as an Evoluxx Capricorn 4X4 255/50R20 all-season truck and SUV tire, XL, V-rated, with a symmetrical tread. Despite the 4X4 name, it is a road-oriented all-season tire, not an off-road one.
Good fit if: you have a 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport or Platinum on 20-inch wheels. Not a fit for: 2020 and newer Explorers, which list 255/55R20.
- Tire Size:255/50R20
- Season:All-season
- Load Index:109 XL (2,271 lb per tire)
- Speed Rating:V (149 mph)
- Tread:Symmetrical, per listing
- Warranty:Check the listing
Pros
- XL load and V speed rating
- Symmetrical tread for easy rotation
- Treadwear warranty per listing
Cons
- Name suggests off-road use it is not built for
- Little independent data on this model
Falken Aklimate All Weather 255/50R20 109V XL Passenger Tire
Listed as the Falken Aklimate all-weather tire in 255/50R20 109V XL. All-weather tires are meant for year-round use with more winter grip than a regular all-season tire. Look for the 3-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall of the tire you receive.
Good fit if: you have a 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport or Platinum on 20-inch wheels. Not a fit for: 2020 and newer Explorers, which list 255/55R20.
- Tire Size:255/50R20
- Season:All-weather
- Load Index:109 XL (2,271 lb per tire)
- Speed Rating:V (149 mph)
- Tread:Symmetrical with 3D siping, per listing
- Snow Rating:Confirm the 3PMSF symbol
Pros
- All-weather positioning for snowy regions
- XL 109 load index
- Established tire brand
Cons
- Not a replacement for dedicated winter tires on ice
- May be firmer or louder than a touring tire
Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 SUV Tire
Listed as the Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3 SUV tire. The listing title does not show a size, although the original text described a 255/50R20 109V XL, so confirm the size on the Amazon page before ordering. Pirelli markets this tire for SUVs and crossovers.
Good fit if: the listing confirms 255/50R20 and you have a 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport or Platinum. Watch out: the size is not in the title, so we cannot confirm it.
- Tire Size:Confirm on listing (255/50R20 expected)
- Season:All-season
- Load Index:109 XL (2,271 lb per tire)
- Speed Rating:V (149 mph), per listing
- Treadwear Warranty:Check the listing
- Tread:Full-depth sipes, per listing
Pros
- Established tire brand
- XL 109 load index
- Full-depth sipes listed
Cons
- Title shows no size, so double-check before buying
- Premium price level, check current price
Fullway HP108 All-Season Truck/SUV Tires 255/50R20 (4-Pack)
Listed as a set of four Fullway HP108 255/50R20 all-season truck and SUV tires, XL, 109V. This is the same model as the single-tire listing above, sold as a set. Compare the per-tire price on both listings.
Good fit if: you have a 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport or Platinum on 20-inch wheels. Not a fit for: 2020 and newer Explorers, which list 255/55R20.
- Tire Size:255/50R20
- Season:All-season
- Load Index:109 XL (2,271 lb per tire)
- Speed Rating:V (149 mph)
- Pack:Set of four
- UTQG:380 AA, per listing
Pros
- Covers all four wheels in one order
- XL 109 load index
- V speed rating
Cons
- Budget brand with limited independent data
- Same model as the single-tire listing
Atturo AZ600 All-Season Touring Tire 255/50R20
Listed as an Atturo AZ600 255/50R20 all-season touring tire, XL, H-rated, with a symmetrical non-directional tread. The H rating is lower than the V and W options here, which suits relaxed driving.
Good fit if: you have a 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport or Platinum on 20-inch wheels. Not a fit for: 2020 and newer Explorers, which list 255/55R20.
- Tire Size:255/50R20
- Season:All-season touring
- Load Index:109 XL (2,271 lb per tire)
- Speed Rating:H (130 mph)
- Tread:Symmetrical, non-directional, per listing
- Treadwear Warranty:Check the listing
Pros
- Touring focus
- Non-directional tread allows flexible rotation
- XL 109 load index
Cons
- H rating is lower than other options
- Little independent data on this model
How to choose tires for Ford Explorer 255/50R20
Check the placard on the driver door jamb first. Fitment charts show 255/50R20 on 2011 to 2019 Limited, Sport and Platinum trims, while other trims and the 2020 and newer Explorer list different sizes.
| Explorer years | Listed trims with 255/50R20 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-2012 | Limited (FWD and 4×4) | 20-inch wheels |
| 2013-2015 | Limited, Sport 4×4 | 20-inch wheels |
| 2016-2019 | Limited, Sport 4×4, Platinum 4×4 | 20-inch wheels |
| 2020 and newer | Not listed | Fitment charts list 255/55R20; do not use 255/50R20 |
Fit checklist
- Size: 255/50R20 only. A 255/55R20 is a taller, different tire.
- Load index: do not go below the placard value. For reference, 105 carries 2,039 lb and 109 carries 2,271 lb per tire.
- Speed rating: V and W are higher than H. Match or exceed the original.
- Quantity: some listings are single tires and others are sets of four. Check before ordering.
- TPMS: the sensors may need to be moved or reset when tires are changed.
All-season or all-weather
- All-season: fine for most roads, with light snow ability.
- All-weather: adds the 3-peak mountain snowflake symbol and better winter grip, with a possible compromise in noise and wear. Confirm the symbol on the sidewall.
- Winter tires: the best choice for regular ice and deep snow.
See also our guides to midsize SUV tires, SUV all-season tires and all-weather SUV tires.
Ford Explorer 255/50R20 tire FAQ
Which Ford Explorer models use 255/50R20 tires?
Public fitment charts list 255/50R20 on 2011 to 2019 Explorer Limited, Sport and Platinum trims with 20-inch wheels. Newer Explorers list a different size, so confirm on your door placard.
Can I put 255/50R20 tires on a 2020 or newer Explorer?
Not as a like-for-like swap. Fitment charts list 255/55R20 for the 2020 and newer Explorer, which has a different overall diameter. Use the size on your placard.
What tire pressure should I use?
Use the cold pressure on the door-jamb placard. It is set for the vehicle and may differ from the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.
Can I use winter tires on the same 20-inch wheels?
Yes, if the winter tire is the same size and load index, but many owners buy a separate set of smaller wheels for winter tires. Ask a shop about TPMS sensors and mounting.
How often should I rotate Explorer tires?
Many tire makers suggest every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Follow your owner manual, and check that your tires are not directional before swapping sides.
How do I know the tires need replacing?
Replace at the 2/32 inch wear bar at the latest, and earlier if you see cracks, bulges, uneven wear or vibration. Many drivers replace at 4/32 inch for better wet traction.
Bottom line
For a 2011 to 2019 Explorer on 255/50R20, pick a tire that meets your placard load index and speed rating, then choose between all-season, all-weather and touring tread. Check that a listing is one tire or four, and confirm the size on the Pirelli listing before ordering.
