Last updated: September 12, 2026
Choosing replacement tires for a 2020 Ford Explorer starts with one thing: the exact tire size and service description on your driver-side door placard. Depending on trim and factory package, common 2020 Explorer sizes include 255/65R18, 255/55R20, and 275/45R21.
After checking the products in the original roundup, two listed options are suitable enough to keep for common factory-size configurations: the Prinx HiCITY HH2 255/65R18 111H for compatible 18-inch Explorers and the Prinx HiCountry HT2 255/55R20 110H XL for compatible 20-inch setups. The 20-inch option is not universal because some Explorers require a higher speed rating, so always match the complete tire specification before ordering.
Affiliate disclosure: This roundup is reader-supported. When you click through Amazon links, we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Important 2020 Ford Explorer Fitment Note
Do not buy a tire just because the wheel diameter matches. Check the tire-size label on your driver-side door jamb and confirm the size, load index, speed rating, and tire type. A 255/55R20 tire with an H speed rating should not automatically replace a V-rated tire simply because both are 255/55R20. Your vehicle placard and owner’s manual should control the final decision.
| Prinx HiCITY HH2 All Season 255/65R18 111H Passenger Tire |  |
Best for 18-Inch Factory Size | Size: 255/65R18 | Service Description: 111H | Tread Depth: 10/32nds | CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON | Read Our Analysis |
| Prinx HiCountry HT2 Highway 255/55R20 110H XL SUV/Crossover Tire |  |
Best for Compatible 20-Inch Fitments | Size: 255/55R20 | Service Description: 110H XL | Tread Depth: 12/32nds | CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Prinx HiCITY HH2 All Season 255/65R18 111H Passenger Tire
If your 2020 Ford Explorer’s door placard specifies 255/65R18 111H, the Prinx HiCITY HH2 is the strongest direct-size match among the tires retained from the original roundup. This size is commonly associated with 18-inch Explorer configurations, including Base and some XLT models.
The HiCITY HH2 is an all-season touring tire with an asymmetrical tread pattern, four wide grooves, and siping intended to support everyday wet-road traction and predictable road manners. Its 111 load index and H speed rating also align with the common 255/65R18 Explorer service description.
Who should buy it: Explorer owners whose placard calls for 255/65R18 111H and who mainly drive on paved roads, commute, run errands, or take normal highway trips.
Who should avoid it: Drivers whose Explorer has 20- or 21-inch factory wheels, anyone needing a different load or speed rating, or drivers who specifically need a severe-snow-rated tire. This version is an all-season tire and should not be treated as a dedicated winter tire.
- Type:All-Season Touring Tire
- Construction:Radial
- Tread Depth:10/32nds
- Service Description:111H
- Load Range:SL
- Max Pressure:44 psi
- Additional Feature:Asymmetrical Tread Pattern
- Additional Feature:60,000-Mile Limited Treadwear Warranty
- Additional Feature:Not 3PMSF Severe-Snow Rated
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Prinx HiCountry HT2 Highway 255/55R20 110H XL SUV/Crossover Tire
The Prinx HiCountry HT2 comes in the 255/55R20 size used on a number of 2020 Ford Explorer configurations. Its highway-oriented design makes it more relevant for owners who spend most of their time commuting, traveling, and driving on paved roads rather than tackling aggressive off-road terrain.
This version carries a 110 load index, H speed rating, and XL load range. The higher-load construction can be useful on an SUV, but size alone does not prove complete compatibility. Some 2020 Explorer 255/55R20 configurations use a V-rated tire, so check the complete service description on your door placard before buying this H-rated version.
Who should buy it: Owners with a 255/55R20 Explorer configuration whose placard requirements are compatible with a 110H XL tire and who prioritize normal highway and everyday road use.
Who should avoid it: Owners whose placard requires a V speed rating or another service description, drivers with 18- or 21-inch factory wheels, and anyone specifically looking for a severe-winter or aggressive all-terrain tire.
- Type:Highway All-Season SUV/Crossover Tire
- Construction:Radial
- Tread Depth:12/32nds
- Service Description:110H
- Load Range:XL
- Max Pressure:50 psi
- Additional Feature:Symmetrical Tread Design
- Additional Feature:60,000-Mile Limited Treadwear Warranty
- Additional Feature:Not 3PMSF Severe-Snow Rated
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tires for the 2020 Ford Explorer
The 2020 Explorer was sold with different wheel and tire packages, so there is no single replacement tire that fits every trim. Your first job is to match the information on the driver-side tire placard rather than relying only on the model year or wheel diameter.
Check the Exact Factory Tire Size
Common 2020 Ford Explorer factory sizes include 255/65R18, 255/55R20, and 275/45R21, depending on trim and equipment. Match all three parts of the size printed on your placard. A 255/50R20 tire, for example, is not the same size as a 255/55R20 tire even though both mount on a 20-inch wheel.
If you are changing wheel diameter or intentionally considering a non-factory tire size, use a qualified tire professional rather than assuming an alternative size will work.
Match Load Index and Speed Rating
Tire size is only part of fitment. Also compare the load index and speed rating with your Explorer’s placard. The HiCITY reviewed here is 111H. The HiCountry is 110H XL.
This distinction matters because some 255/55R20 Explorer configurations use an H-rated tire while others can require a V-rated tire. Do not automatically substitute a lower speed rating simply because the tire has the right width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter.
Choose the Right Tire Type for Your Driving
A highway or touring all-season tire makes sense for commuting, paved-road trips, normal family driving, and drivers who value road comfort. If you spend significant time on loose surfaces, an appropriate all-terrain tire may make more sense, but it still needs to match your Explorer’s required size and service specifications.
If you regularly drive in severe winter conditions, look beyond ordinary all-season labeling. A tire carrying the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol is specifically qualified for severe-snow performance. Neither retained tire in this roundup should be presented as a dedicated winter tire.
Consider Wet Traction and Tread Design
The HiCITY HH2 uses an asymmetrical pattern with grooves and siping aimed at normal all-season road performance. The HiCountry HT2 uses a highway-oriented tread designed for SUV and crossover use. These design features can help with water evacuation, stability, and everyday road manners, but no tread pattern eliminates the need to slow down in heavy rain or replace worn tires.
Think About Noise and Ride Comfort
If most of your miles are on paved roads, a touring or highway tire is usually more relevant than an aggressive all-terrain pattern. Less aggressive tread blocks can help support a calmer road feel, while deeper or more open off-road tread patterns may trade some refinement for loose-surface traction.
Use the Vehicle’s Cold Tire Pressure
Do not inflate your Explorer’s tires to the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. That number is a tire limit, not the normal vehicle inflation target. Use the cold tire pressure listed on the driver-side door placard and check pressures when the tires are cold.
Review Warranty and Seller Terms
Both retained Prinx models are currently associated with limited treadwear warranty coverage, but warranty eligibility can depend on correct fitment, inflation, rotation, alignment, maintenance records, and other terms. Review the current tire warranty and Amazon seller policies before ordering rather than assuming every type of wear or road damage is covered.
Before You Buy
1. Read the exact tire size on your driver’s door placard.
2. Match the load index and speed rating, not just the wheel diameter.
3. Confirm whether you need SL, XL, all-season, all-terrain, or severe-snow capability.
4. Check the current Amazon listing to make sure the ASIN still shows the same size and service description reviewed here.
5. If anything on the product listing conflicts with your vehicle placard, do not order until a qualified tire professional confirms the fitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Tire Sizes Fit a 2020 Ford Explorer?
Common factory sizes include 255/65R18, 255/55R20, and 275/45R21, depending on trim and equipment. Your own driver-side tire placard is the final reference because the required load index and speed rating can also vary.
Does the Prinx HiCITY HH2 255/65R18 111H Fit a 2020 Ford Explorer?
It is a strong direct-size match for a 2020 Explorer whose tire placard specifies 255/65R18 111H. Do not use it solely because you own a 2020 Explorer; confirm the specification on your individual vehicle first.
Does the Prinx HiCountry HT2 255/55R20 110H Fit a 2020 Ford Explorer?
It can be appropriate for a 255/55R20 Explorer only when its 110H XL service specification is compatible with your vehicle placard. Some 255/55R20 Explorer configurations can require a V speed rating, so this H-rated version should not be treated as a universal replacement.
What Tire Pressure Should I Use on a 2020 Ford Explorer?
Use the cold inflation pressure printed on your driver-side door placard. Do not use the tire’s maximum sidewall pressure as your normal inflation target, and do not rely on one generic PSI recommendation for every Explorer configuration.
Can I Use Winter Tires on My 2020 Ford Explorer?
Yes, as long as the winter tires meet the correct vehicle fitment requirements. If you regularly drive in snow and ice, consider a tire carrying the 3PMSF severe-snow symbol. Confirm the size, load rating, speed-rating requirements, and wheel compatibility before changing tires.
How Often Should I Rotate the Tires?
Follow the tire-rotation interval in your Ford scheduled-maintenance information and any requirements from the tire manufacturer. Regular rotation can help promote more even tread wear. After rotation, check and adjust tire pressure to the vehicle specification and follow any applicable TPMS procedures in the owner’s manual.
How Long Should Ford Explorer Tires Last?
There is no single mileage figure that applies to every tire. Lifespan depends on the tire model, treadwear rating, inflation, alignment, rotation, road conditions, driving habits, load, climate, and age. Use the tire manufacturer’s warranty only as one reference, and inspect your tires regularly for wear or damage.
How Do I Know When to Replace My Tires?
Replace or professionally inspect a tire when it reaches its tread-wear indicators, develops cracking, bulges, puncture damage, irregular wear, persistent pressure loss, vibration, or noticeably reduced traction. Age also matters even when tread remains, so include tire age in your regular inspections.
Conclusion
The best tire for your 2020 Ford Explorer is the one that matches your vehicle’s exact factory tire size, load index, speed rating, and driving needs.
If your placard calls for 255/65R18 111H, the Prinx HiCITY HH2 is the cleaner direct-size choice from this roundup for normal all-season road use. If your Explorer uses 255/55R20, the Prinx HiCountry HT2 can be a useful highway-oriented option, but only when its 110H XL specification is compatible with your vehicle’s required service description.
Check the driver-side placard before ordering, confirm the exact specification on the current Amazon listing, and avoid choosing a tire simply because its wheel diameter looks close to your existing setup.
