Looking for reliable tires for your Ford Explorer ST? Whether you drive a ST with 20″ wheels, the optional 21″ setup, or a newer model — Excellent Tire offers tires compatible with Explorer ST’s specifications, shipped fast & free across the United States.
Recommended Tire Types for Ford Explorer ST
Since the Explorer ST is a sporty SUV — often used for a mix of daily driving, highway cruising, and occasional spirited driving — the ideal tire type depends on how you use the vehicle and climate conditions:
Performance / Summer Tires (UHP)
Best if you want maximum grip, sharp handling, responsive steering, and high-speed stability. On a performance-trim SUV like the ST, summer or sport-performance tires unlock better driving dynamics on dry and wet roads.
All‑Season / Touring SUV Tires
If you mainly use the ST for commuting, city driving, or mixed weather conditions, quality all-season or touring tires offer a good balance between comfort, longevity, wet/dry performance, and reasonable year-round reliability.
All‑Weather / Mixed‑Season Tires
For drivers in regions with variable weather — occasional rain, mild winters — all-weather tires provide versatility: decent wet-weather traction and the convenience of not swapping tires seasonally.
Winter / Snow Tires (Seasonal Use)
If you live somewhere with real winters — snow, ice, or freezing roads — dedicated winter/rain-and-snow-rated tires are strongly recommended for safety and stable handling under slippery conditions.
Best Tire-Type Picks for Explorer ST — Based on Use-Case
| Use Case / Driving Style | Recommended Tire Type |
|---|---|
| Daily city/highway driving & mixed weather | All‑Season / Touring tires |
| Sporty driving, sharp handling, high-speed roads | Performance / Summer / UHP tires |
| Variable weather, occasional rain, mild winter | All‑Weather / Mixed‑Season tires |
| Cold winter, snow/ice | Dedicated Winter tires (seasonal swap) |
Buying & Fitment Advice
- Always verify tire size, load index, and speed rating from your driver-side door jamb sticker or existing tires before ordering.
- Match the tire type to your driving style and climate (commute vs performance vs snow).
- If you change wheel or rim size (e.g. aftermarket rims), ensure proper rim width, offset, and tire compatibility — Explorer ST uses bolt pattern 5×114.3 mm.
- Maintain proper tire pressure, rotate tires periodically, and check tread wear for safety, comfort, and tire longevity.
- For performance or summer tires: be mindful of tread wear and wet-road/winter limitations. For winter tires: consider a dedicated wheel set for seasonal swaps where winters are harsh.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tires for your Ford Explorer ST can significantly influence ride comfort, handling, safety, and performance. For everyday commuting and mixed driving, a quality all-season or touring tire makes the most sense. If you prioritize performance, sharp handling, and driving dynamics — performance-rated tires give the ST what it needs. In climates with variable weather, all-weather tires offer versatility, and in snowy/cold regions, dedicated winter tires are a smart safety investment. Ensuring correct size, load/speed rating, and tire type will let your Explorer ST perform optimally — whether cruising in comfort or pushing for sporty driving.
Q&A
1. How do I find the correct tire size for my Explorer ST?
Look at the sticker inside the driver-side door jamb or inspect the sidewall of your current tires; it shows the recommended tire size, load index, and speed rating for your ST.
2. Are all-season tires enough for Explorer ST for everyday use?
Yes — for most city/highway driving and mixed weather conditions, good all-season tires offer a balanced mix of comfort, wet/dry performance, longevity, and versatility.
3. When should I consider performance / summer tires on Explorer ST?
If you care about sharper handling, more responsive steering, and better grip — for highway driving, sporty driving, or when you want to exploit ST’s performance potential — summer or UHP tires are ideal.
4. Do I need winter tires for Explorer ST if I live somewhere with snow or cold winters?
If you face snow, ice, or freezing roads — yes. Dedicated winter tires dramatically improve traction, braking, and safety under winter conditions compared to all-season or summer tires.
5. What should I check besides tire size when buying tires for ST?
Make sure load index and speed rating meet or exceed OEM specifications, maintain correct tire pressure, rotate tires regularly, and if changing wheels/rims — ensure proper fitment (rim width, offset, bolt pattern) to avoid clearance or handling issues.
| Trim | Position | Size | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Limited 2010 | Both | 235/65R18 | Buy |
Limited 2010 | Both | 255/50R20 | Buy |
XLT w/Appearance Pkg. 2008-2010 | Both | 245/65R17 | Buy |
XLT 2007-2010 | Both | 235/70R16 | Buy |
Limited 4x2 2009 | Both | 235/65R18 | Buy |
Limited 4x2 2009 | Both | 255/50R20 | Buy |
Limited 4x4 2009 | Both | 235/65R18 | Buy |
Limited AWD 2009 | Both | 255/50R20 | Buy |
Limited 2007-2008 | Both | 235/65R18 | Buy |
XLT 2007 | Both | 245/65R17 | Buy |
Adrenalin 2004-2005 | Both | 255/70R16 | Buy |
XLS 2003-2005 | Both | 235/70R16 | Buy |
XLT 2003-2005 | Both | 235/70R16 | Buy |
XLT 2003-2005 | Both | 255/70R16 | Buy |
XLT Premium 2003-2005 | Both | 255/70R16 | Buy |
XLS 2003 | Both | 255/70R16 | Buy |
XL Choice 2002 | Both | 235/70R16 | Buy |
XL Choice 2002 | Both | 255/70R16 | Buy |
XL Premium 2002 | Both | 255/70R16 | Buy |
XL Value 2002 | Both | 235/70R16 | Buy |