You might say your Explorer deserves a little extra care, and choosing the right tires is the easiest place to start. You want reliable traction, a comfortable ride, and durability without overpaying, and I’ll point out three smart options that fit those needs — plus a wheel suggestion and what to evaluate before you buy, so you can pick the best match for how and where you drive.
18 Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim for Ford Explorer or Taurus (ALY03922U20N)
If you’re upgrading wheels on a 2017 Ford Explorer XLT, this 18×8″ ALY03922U20N aluminum alloy rim stands out for being a factory-matching fit—designed to your Explorer’s 5×4.5 bolt pattern and 38mm offset so installation is straightforward and ride characteristics stay true to the original. You’ll get a factory-matching silver clearcoat finish tailored for Explorer (2016–2019) and Taurus (2013–2019), not a generic aftermarket piece. It’s strength-tested in the U.S., guaranteed to balance, and backed by a 2-year limited finish warranty plus 30-day returns. Note: price is per wheel; center cap, lugs, and TPMS aren’t included.
Best For: owners of 2016–2019 Ford Explorer or 2013–2019 Ford Taurus seeking a factory-matching 18×8″ replacement wheel that fits the 5×4.5 bolt pattern and 38mm offset.
Pros:
- Factory-matching silver clearcoat finish for a OEM look and fit on compatible Explorers and Tauruses.
- Strength-tested in the U.S., guaranteed to balance, with a 2-year limited finish warranty and 30-day returns.
- Tailored fit (not generic) simplifies installation and preserves original ride characteristics.
Cons:
- Price covers one wheel only; purchase multiple wheels separately if replacing a set.
- Center cap, lug nuts, and TPMS sensor are not included and must be sourced or reused.
- Compatible only with specified model years and bolt pattern (5×4.5, 38mm offset), so not universal.
Ironman iMove PT All Season 225/65R17 102H Passenger Tire
The Ironman iMove PT All Season 225/65R17 102H is a strong choice for budget-conscious Explorer XLT owners who want reliable all-season traction and long wear. You’ll get a tire designed for CUVs and SUVs that uses circumferential grooves to channel water away and resist hydroplaning. Chamfered tread blocks increase road contact for predictable grip, while a solid center rib improves straight-line stability on highways. Semi-closed shoulders promote even wear and responsive handling through corners. With a 225/65R17 size and 102H load rating, it balances affordability and everyday performance—check full specs to confirm fit and features.
Best For: Budget-conscious CUV, SUV, and minivan owners (including Explorer XLT drivers) seeking reliable all-season traction and long wear.
Pros:
- Designed for CUVs/SUVs with circumferential grooves that help resist hydroplaning by channeling water away.
- Chamfered tread blocks and a solid center rib provide improved road contact and straight-line stability.
- Semi-closed shoulder promotes even wear and responsive handling for everyday driving.
Cons:
- Budget tire — may not match premium brands for peak wet/dry grip or high-performance handling.
- Limited information on tread life warranty and noise levels; check full specs before purchase.
- Load/speed rating (102H) suitable for many but may not fit all vehicle requirements—verify fitment.
Set of 4 Finalist Terreno A/T 255/70R16 SUV All-Season All-Terrain Tires (255/70/16)
Drivers who split time between highway commutes and light off-road outings will appreciate the Finalist Terreno A/T 255/70R16 for your 2017 Explorer XLT, since its all-season, all-terrain tread balances on-road comfort with confident grip on dirt and gravel. You get a set of four 255/70R16 tires designed for SUVs, each measuring 30.08 x 10.24 x 30.08 inches and weighing about 34 lbs. They carry a 111 load index (2,403 lbs), T speed rating (118 mph), 44 psi max, and SL load range. A 50,000-mile limited tread warranty plus road hazard coverage adds reassurance.
Best For: Drivers of SUVs who split time between highway commuting and light off-road outings and want an all-season, all-terrain tire with a long tread warranty.
Pros:
- Durable all-season, all-terrain tread that balances on-road comfort with off-road grip.
- 50,000-mile limited tread wear warranty plus road hazard coverage for added peace of mind.
- Suitable size and load capacity for many SUVs (255/70R16, load index 111, 44 psi max).
Cons:
- T speed rating T (118 mph) may be limiting for drivers who require higher speed ratings.
- Load Range SL (Standard Load) may not suit heavy towing or payload needs.
- Wheels/rims not included—purchase of rims required if replacing a full wheel assembly.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tires For 2017 Ford Explorer Xlt
When choosing tires for your 2017 Ford Explorer XLT, you’ll want to confirm correct tire size and load capacity to keep handling and safety on point. Decide whether you need all-season comfort or all-terrain capability, and compare wet/dry traction ratings for your typical conditions. Finally, weigh expected tread life and warranty coverage to get the best value over time.
Tire Size Fitment
Wheel fitment matters, so you’ll want to match the Explorer XLT’s required sizes—commonly 245/60R18 or 255/50R20—to preserve speedometer accuracy and handling. Check the door jamb placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended size and stick to it unless you’re making a planned, documented change. Pay attention to aspect ratio: lower ratios give crisper steering but a firmer ride, higher ratios improve comfort and absorb bumps. Also verify the rim diameter and width compatibility to prevent rubbing or poor bead seating. While choosing tires, confirm the load index meets or exceeds vehicle needs for safety and performance. If you’re unsure, consult a tire professional who can confirm proper fitment for your specific Explorer.
Load Capacity Needs
After confirming the correct tire size for your Explorer XLT, check the load capacity so the tires can safely carry your vehicle, passengers, and cargo. The 2017 Explorer XLT’s maximum load varies by tire size and spec, so you’ll want tires with a load index that meets or exceeds the vehicle’s requirement — commonly around 102H for passenger tires. A 102 rating supports roughly 1,874 lbs per tire, which helps guarantee each corner can bear its share of weight. Add vehicle curb weight plus typical passenger and cargo loads to verify total demands. Choosing tires with the appropriate load index preserves handling, stability, and longevity; under-rated tires can wear prematurely and compromise safety.
All-Season vs. All-Terrain
If you mostly drive on pavement and want a quiet, fuel-efficient ride, stick with all-season tires; but if you regularly tackle dirt, gravel, or muddy trails, all-terrain tires will give you the traction and sidewall toughness you need. You should weigh primary driving conditions: all-season tires handle light snow and rain and suit year-round highway use, while all-terrain designs use deeper treads and reinforced sidewalls for off-road durability. Expect trade-offs: all-season tires usually deliver longer tread life and better on-road comfort and fuel economy, whereas all-terrain rubber can wear faster on pavement and feel noisier. Regardless of choice, confirm the tire’s load index and speed rating match your Explorer XLT’s specifications to maintain safety and peak performance.
Wet/Dry Traction
Now that you’ve weighed all-season versus all-terrain options, consider how tires handle wet and dry surfaces—your choice affects safety and everyday drivability. Look for circumferential grooves to channel water and cut hydroplaning risk, and chamfered tread blocks to boost road contact for grip in both wet and dry conditions. A solid center rib adds straight-line stability, helping you maintain control in heavy rain. If you use your Explorer off-pavement, all-terrain patterns give aggressive bite for mud and wet roads while still holding up on dry pavement. Finally, pick tires with a suitable load index and speed rating for your vehicle so the tires perform reliably under varied loads and speeds in changing weather.
Tread Life & Warranty
While tires may look similar at a glance, their tread life can differ dramatically based on compound, construction, and intended use, so you’ll want to compare expected mileage and warranty terms when choosing tires for your 2017 Explorer XLT. Tread life is simply how long the tread lasts before it wears to unusable depth, and manufacturers commonly offer limited treadwear warranties from about 40,000 to 80,000 miles. Understand warranty fine print: limited warranties usually expire when tread reaches roughly 2/32″, and road hazard coverage, if offered, covers damage but not normal wear. To get the most from any warranty, follow maintenance recommendations—proper inflation, rotation, and alignment—which greatly extend tread life and help you avoid premature replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Mix Tire Brands on My Explorer XLT?
Yes, you can mix tire brands, but you shouldn’t. Mixing can cause uneven grip, handling and ABS issues. If you must, match size, load rating and speed rating, and put the best tires on the rear axle.
How Often Should I Rotate These Specific Tires?
You should rotate those tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or with every other oil change. Doing so evens wear, extends tread life, and helps maintain handling; check alignment and tire pressure at each rotation.
Do These Tires Affect Fuel Economy Significantly?
Yes — they can. You’ll feel rolling resistance like walking through sand versus pavement; low-rolling tires boost MPG a bit, while aggressive, wide treads cut efficiency. Proper pressure and alignment help minimize fuel loss.
Are Any of These Tires Compatible With TPMS Sensors?
Yes — most replacement tires are TPMS-compatible; you’ll keep your sensors if the wheel diameter and valve types match, and shops can transfer or reprogram sensors when mounting new tires to guarantee proper function and calibration.
Will Any Require Wheel Alignment After Installation?
Yes — you’ll likely want an alignment after fitting new tires; it helps them settle properly, avoids premature wear, and keeps handling crisp. Most shops recommend checking and aligning wheels whenever tires are replaced or rotated.
Conclusion
You’ve seen top picks that balance comfort, traction and durability for your 2017 Explorer XLT. Choose the Ironman iMove PT for affordable, reliable all-season grip or the Finalist Terreno A/T if you need rugged, all-terrain capability and long tread life. Don’t forget the 18″ alloy rim option for a factory-fit look. Fun fact: tires affect fuel economy by up to 10%, so picking the right set can save you money and improve safety on every drive.
