Ford Explorer Spare Tire Fitment Guide
The Ford Explorer used a 5x4.5" (5x114.3 mm) bolt pattern for all models from 1991 to 2026 along with tire diameters ranging from 27.4" to 31.6" tall. Using a temporary compact spare tire with a diameter close to the standard tire has many benefits, especially for modern vehicles with larger brake calipers and anti-lock brakes or traction control systems.
The tire diameter and the wheel diameter clearance have been taken into account for the specific Ford Explorer years and options. In this case, Full-Size, 155/90R18, 175/70R20 and 165/90R19 spare tire sizes are used to avoid vehicle components while closely matching the original tire size diameters. We've provided a breakdown by vehicle generation and model specifics to help you find the correct Ford Explorer spare tire.
2020-2026 Ford Explorer Spare Tires
This generation of the Ford Explorer began in 2020 and is still the current model being produced. All the models for these years use the same spare tire and wheel solution including High Performance Pack versions.
There was a facelift redesign in 2025 that changed the look of the car, but it did not have a specific impact on the spare tire size.
| Year | Make | Model | Bolt Pattern | Tire Diameters | Recommended Spare Tire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31.6" | Full Size |
| Explorer ST | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7" | 165/90R19 | 30.7" | ||
| 2025 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31.1" | Full Size |
| Explorer ST | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7" | 165/90R19 | 30.7" | ||
| 2024 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31.6" | Full Size |
| Explorer ST | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31" | 165/90R19 | 30.7" | ||
| 2023 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31.6" | Full Size |
| Explorer ST | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31" | 165/90R19 | 30.7" | ||
| 2022 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31.6" | Full Size |
| Explorer ST | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31" | 165/90R19 | 30.7" | ||
| 2021 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31.6" | Full Size |
| Explorer ST | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31" | 165/90R19 | 30.7" | ||
| 2020 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31.1" | Full Size |
| Explorer ST | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 30.7-31" | 165/90R19 | 30.7" |
2011-2019 Ford Explorer Spare Tires
This generation of the Ford Explorer began in 2011 and was available through 2019. All the models for these years use the same spare tire and wheel solution.
There were facelift redesigns in 2016 and 2019 that changed the appearance, but it does not affect the spare tire recommendation.
| Year | Make | Model | Bolt Pattern | Tire Diameters | Recommended Spare Tire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29.6-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2018 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29.6-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2017 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29.6-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2016 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29.6-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2015 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29.6-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2014 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29.5-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2013 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29.5-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2012 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29.5-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2011 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29.5-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
2006-2010 Ford Explorer Spare Tires
This generation of the Ford Explorer began in 2006 and was available through 2010. All the models for these years use the same spare tire and wheel solution.
| Year | Make | Model | Bolt Pattern | Tire Diameters | Recommended Spare Tire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2009 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2008 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2007 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
| 2006 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29-30" | 175/70R20 | 29.6" |
2002-2005 Ford Explorer Spare Tires
This generation of the Ford Explorer began in 2002 and was available through 2005. All the models for these years use the same spare tire and wheel solution.
| Year | Make | Model | Bolt Pattern | Tire Diameters | Recommended Spare Tire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29-29.5" | 155/90R18 | 29.0" |
| 2004 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29-29.5" | 155/90R18 | 29.0" |
| 2003 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29-29.5" | 155/90R18 | 29.0" |
| 2002 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 29-29.5" | 155/90R18 | 29.0" |
1995-2001 Ford Explorer Spare Tires
This generation of the Ford Explorer began in 1995 and was available through 2001. All the models for these years use the same spare tire and wheel solution.
| Year | Make | Model | Bolt Pattern | Tire Diameters | Recommended Spare Tire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 28.9-30.1" | Full Size |
| 2000 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 27.4-30.1" | Full Size |
| 1999 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 27.4-30.1" | Full Size |
| 1998 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 27.4-30.1" | Full Size |
| 1997 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 27.4-30.1" | Full Size |
| 1996 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 27.4-30.1" | Full Size |
| 1995 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 27.4-30.1" | Full Size |
1991-1994 Ford Explorer Spare Tires
This generation of the Ford Explorer began in 1991 and was available through 1994. All the models for these years use the same spare tire and wheel solution.
| Year | Make | Model | Bolt Pattern | Tire Diameters | Recommended Spare Tire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 27.4-28.9" | Full Size |
| 1993 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 27.4-28.9" | Full Size |
| 1992 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 27.4-28.9" | Full Size |
| 1991 | Ford | Explorer | 5x4.5" (114.3 mm) | 27.4-28.9" | Full Size |