You want tires that match the 2017 Ford Explorer Limited’s size, weight and driving needs while improving safety, comfort and longevity. This guide focuses on compatible 255/50R20 all‑season options so you can quickly see which tires deliver the best combination of value, ride quality and year‑round traction for your SUV.
Top Picks
|
Category |
Product |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
💰 Best Budget Performance |
88/100 |
|
|
🏆 Best For Longevity |
95/100 |
|
|
🎯 Best Ride Comfort |
92/100 |
Selection Criteria
You need tires that fit the Explorer Limited’s 255/50R20 specification and support its load index and driving style. We evaluated size compatibility, load and speed ratings, tread design for wet and light winter grip, ride comfort and cabin noise, manufacturer warranty and expected tread life, and overall value.
The picks prioritize different tradeoffs so you can choose the tire that best matches whether you care most about price, long mileage or a quiet, comfortable ride.
If you drive a 2017 Explorer Limited and want an affordable, performance-minded all-season tire, this model aims to give you a quiet, stable ride without fuss. The symmetric tread and targeted shoulder and siping layout help with high-speed control and wet-road grip, while the compound keeps flexibility across temperatures so you can use it year-round.
It’s practical for daily commuting, highway cruising and occasional light-snow trips, and it often feels more composed than other budget options. If you value a smooth, balanced feel and predictable handling, this tire is worth a close look.
What People Say
People often point out how balanced and quiet these tires feel from the start, with many noting minimal additional wheel weights are needed. Reviewers tend to praise stable handling in wet conditions and usable light-snow traction thanks to the siping and shoulder design. A few mention the rubber feels somewhat soft and are watching how the tread holds up over longer mileage.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Smooth, quiet highway comfort |
❌ Softer compound may raise questions about long-term wear in heavy use |
|
✅ Good wet-road stability and light-snow performance |
❌ Not a true winter tire for deep snow or ice |
|
✅ Wide compatibility with 255/50R20 Explorer fitment |
❌ Load Range XL may slightly affect ride feel on some setups |
|
✅ Built-in rim protection and easy mounting |
Long-Term Cost Benefits
The 55,000 mile limited warranty and the tire’s balanced behavior can reduce the chance of premature replacement and cut down on frequent rebalancing. That means fewer shop visits over a few years and more predictable maintenance planning for you.
Return On Investment
You get a blend of comfort and all-season capability that can feel like an upgrade over basic replacement tires, so the value comes from fewer surprises on the road and a comfortable driving experience that lasts through multiple seasons.
Versatility
Designed as a year-round all-season tire, it works well for daily errands, commuting, road trips and occasional winter conditions that don’t involve heavy snow. You won’t need to swap tires for most typical seasonal changes.
Durability
Construction features like a 4-ply build and the manufacturer’s tread-life warranty suggest solid durability, though the slightly softer compound means you should watch tread depth if you do a lot of heavy hauling or aggressive driving.
Practicality
Fits the Explorer’s 255/50R20 sizing and supports the vehicle’s load needs, making it an easy, practical swap when you want dependable year-round performance without exotic maintenance requirements.
Problem Solving
Addresses common needs like road noise, wet traction and high-speed stability, so if you’ve been bothered by a chattery ride or weak wet grip, this tire is aimed at smoothing those issues.
Travel Friendliness
The quiet, balanced character and predictable handling make it a comfortable choice for long drives, reducing fatigue and keeping the ride composed on highways and mixed surfaces.
Key Benefits
- Quiet, balanced ride
- Reliable wet and light-winter traction
- 55,000 mile limited tread life warranty
- Symmetric tread for predictable handling
If you drive a 2017 Explorer Limited and want highway-focused comfort plus long life, this Bridgestone is built for that role. It’s designed as a premium all-season tire with an asymmetrical tread that prioritizes low noise, stable handling and confident wet traction. You’ll notice a composed feel on long cruises and steady behavior under heavier loads, which makes it a natural fit for daily commuting, road trips and towing-light duties. If you value predictable highway manners and fewer tire swaps over time, this is an easy tire to consider.
What People Say
Owners commonly highlight the quiet, composed ride and how well the tire holds up on long highway stretches. People also appreciate the confidence in wet conditions and the sense that the tire is made to last, thanks to the manufacturer warranty and sturdy build.
A few note it leans toward highway performance rather than extreme off-road or deep-snow use.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Very quiet, comfortable highway ride |
❌ Designed for highway performance rather than aggressive off-road use |
|
✅ Strong wet-weather stability and braking |
❌ May feel firmer than softer, comfort-tuned alternatives |
|
✅ Long mileage focus backed by warranty |
❌ Not a dedicated winter tire for severe ice |
|
✅ Solid load capacity for SUVs and light towing |
Long-Term Cost Benefits
The emphasis on tread life and the manufacturer’s long warranty means fewer replacements over time, which can reduce overall ownership costs and downtime for you.
Return On Investment
You get durable construction and consistent highway performance that often translates into fewer tire changes and a more comfortable driving experience, which together justify the investment for regular drivers.
Versatility
Designed mainly for year-round highway use, it handles commuting, long-distance travel and light towing well, but it’s not aimed at heavy off-road or extreme winter conditions.
Durability
Built with a robust ply structure and backed by an 80,000 mile limited warranty, this tire is intended to offer extended tread life under normal SUV use.
Practicality
Fits the Explorer’s 255/50R20 size and matches common load needs, making it a straightforward OEM-style replacement that requires no special maintenance beyond normal rotation and alignment.
Problem Solving
If you’ve been dealing with road noise, uncertain highway grip or frequent tire changes, this model addresses those by focusing on comfort, stability and long wear.
Travel Friendliness
Quiet operation and predictable handling reduce fatigue on long drives, so it’s a good companion for road trips and daily long-distance commutes.
Key Benefits
- Premium highway comfort and low cabin noise
- Asymmetrical tread for balanced wet/dry grip
- Robust construction with long manufacturer warranty
- Stable handling under heavier loads
If you drive a 2017 Explorer Limited and want a premium feel, this Pirelli aims to deliver a quiet, refined ride that still grips when the weather changes. PNCS technology and a custom pitch sequence reduce road noise and vibrations so long drives feel less tiring, while the shoulder grooves and longer sipes boost braking and light-snow traction.
It works well for daily commuting, highway cruising and weekend trips where you want comfort without sacrificing confidence in wet or mildly wintry conditions. If you prioritize cabin calm and predictable handling over off-road aggressiveness, this tire is a strong candidate.
What People Say
Customers tend to highlight how much quieter their ride becomes and appreciate the smoother feel on highways. Many note better confidence in wet conditions and useful light-snow performance from the longer sipes, while some point out it’s a premium option aimed at comfort rather than deep-snow or rugged off-road use.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Very quiet and comfortable at speed |
❌ Not intended for heavy off-road or severe winter use |
|
✅ Good all-season traction with light-winter capability |
❌ Premium positioning may mean higher replacement expectations |
|
✅ Balanced handling thanks to tread design |
❌ May feel less aggressive for sporty drivers |
|
✅ Designed for SUV load and highway stability |
Long-Term Cost Benefits
The premium construction and noise-control tech can extend comfort and reduce cabin fatigue, and if treadwear is moderate it can lower the frequency of replacements compared with softer, cheaper alternatives.
Return On Investment
You get a quieter, more comfortable driving experience and consistent all-season performance that can justify the choice if you value comfort and reduced road noise over lowest upfront cost.
Versatility
Well suited to everyday driving, long highway trips and light winter conditions, though it isn’t targeted at serious off-road adventures or deep-snow scenarios.
Durability
Built with a focus on premium ride and balanced wear; longevity will depend on driving style but construction supports stable performance over typical SUV use.
Practicality
Matches the Explorer’s 255/50R20 fitment and supports common SUV load needs, making it an easy, practical upgrade when you want improved cabin comfort.
Problem Solving
Addresses common pain points like road noise, highway harshness and inconsistent wet braking, so you’ll likely notice a calmer cabin and steadier behavior in mixed conditions.
Travel Friendliness
Quiet operation and reduced vibration make it a comfortable companion for long drives and family trips, helping cut driver fatigue on extended journeys.
Key Benefits
- PNCS noise reduction for quieter cabin
- Improved wet braking and light-snow grip
- Comfort-oriented tread design for long drives
- Asymmetrical tread for balanced handling
FAQ
What Tire Size Should I Use?
You should stick with the factory size listed on your Explorer’s door placard, which for the Limited commonly reads 255/50R20. Also confirm the load index and speed rating (for example, load index 109 and speed rating V) so the tire can safely carry your vehicle’s weight and match highway performance.
If you regularly tow or carry heavy loads, consider tires with a higher load rating such as an XL option and double-check wheel clearance before changing diameters.
Which Tire Type Is Best For My Climate?
Choose based on the weather you actually drive in most of the time. All‑season tires are a good fit if you see mixed conditions and only occasional light snow, offering year‑round traction and reasonable comfort. If you face regular heavy snow or icy roads, use dedicated winter tires in cold months for far better grip.
For mostly highway miles prioritize touring or highway‑focused all‑season designs that emphasize low noise and long tread life.
How Can I Maximize Tire Life And Performance?
Keep the tires inflated to your vehicle’s placard pressure, rotate them regularly, and get wheel alignment checks when you notice uneven wear or after hitting a curb. Have tires balanced at mounting and inspect tread depth periodically.
Driving habits matter too—smooth acceleration and moderate cornering extend tread life. Finally, pay attention to the manufacturer mileage warranty and keep service records so you can address premature wear if it occurs.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right 255/50R20 tires for your 2017 Ford Explorer Limited depends on how you drive and what you value most. If you want the most affordable performance-oriented all‑season option that still delivers good handling and a respectable warranty, the Evoluxx Capricorn is a solid value.
If long tread life and a premium highway-oriented feel matter most, the Bridgestone Alenza brings the strongest mileage warranty and durable construction. If you prioritize a quiet, comfortable ride with advanced noise reduction, the Pirelli Scorpion is the best fit.
Before you buy, confirm the 255/50R20 fit, consider professional mounting and alignment, and choose the option that matches your driving habits and budget.
| Evoluxx Capricorn 4X4 HP All-Season Tire | Bridgestone 255/50R20 109V XL Alenza AS Ultra | Pirelli Scorpion MS All Season Tire | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
|
| Load Capacity | 2271 Pounds | 2271 Pounds | 2 Pounds |
| Tread Type | Symmetrical | Asymmetrical | Asymmetrical |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 55,000 Mile Limited Warranty | 80,000 Mile Limited Warranty | Standard Manufacturer Warranty |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
This Roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases.
