Finding the best tires for a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT starts with the correct wheel package, not the product with the loudest claims. Tire-size catalogs list both 245/60R18 and 255/50R20 for this trim, and these sizes use different wheel diameters. This guide compares seven verified Amazon tire listings separately by size and service description. You’ll see touring models, performance-oriented designs, and single-tire or multi-tire offerings. We explain design priorities without inventing independent testing, handling scores, or future mileage. Your SUV’s driver-door tire label, wheel configuration, and required load and speed rating determine which alternatives deserve serious consideration. Whether you commute daily, drive interstate distances, or face periodic wet weather, the aim is a clear, fitment-first comparison rather than a universal compatibility promise.
Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Key advantage | Purchase | Jump to review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fullway PC369 245/60R18 (Set of Four) | four matching R18 tires | 105V standard-load SUV tires supplied as a set | Check the price on Amazon | Jump to Review |
| Firestone Destination LE2 245/60R18 | paved-road SUV driving | highway all-season construction and stated treadwear coverage | Check the price on Amazon | Jump to Review |
| Travelstar UN66 245/60R18 (Set of Four) | a complete R18 refresh | an asymmetrical SUV tread and four-tire quantity | Check the price on Amazon | Jump to Review |
| Accelera Iota ST68 245/60R18 (Set of Four) | four-tire SUV replacement | 105V standard-load all-season classification supplied as four | Check the price on Amazon | Jump to Review |
| Armstrong Tru-Trac SU 255/50R20 | 20-inch XL comparison | extra-load 109V SUV construction and treadwear program | Check the price on Amazon | Jump to Review |
| Blackhawk Agility SUV 255/50R20 | 20-inch all-season SUV use | 109V XL rating and all-season tread classification | Check the price on Amazon | Jump to Review |
| Fullway HP108 255/50R20 (Set of Four) | four matching R20 tires | a four-tire 109V XL performance all-season package | Check the price on Amazon | Jump to Review |
Fullway PC369 245/60R18 (Set of Four)
What We Like
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What We Don’t Like
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Fullway PC369 245/60R18 (Set of Four) is an all-season performance tire listing in 245/60R18, with a stated 105V service description. Its identifiable selling points include 105v standard-load suv tires supplied as a set. That makes it a comparison candidate for four matching r18 tires, not a proven all-around winner. On a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT, this option belongs to the 18-inch-wheel group, provided the actual tire placard and vehicle service requirements agree. Similar-looking tires can have different load indexes, speed symbols, and seasonal characteristics.
The specific difference worth considering is this: This one-order package is distinct for buyers replacing the full set, not evidence of shorter braking distances. The listing contains undefined, so calculate the full four-wheel replacement cost rather than comparing one product’s checkout price with a package of four. Consider how your vehicle is actually used, including annual mileage, road surfaces, winter conditions, and daily comfort expectations. Ask your installer to explain any material tradeoff with other similarly sized options. Do not assume that extra-load or a sport-oriented classification automatically delivers a safer or quieter ride.
Before ordering, confirm 245/60R18 and the 105V service description against Ford’s applicable tire recommendations. Check the exact seller variant, actual markings, tire quantity, and the condition of each delivered tire. Request a complete estimate including balancing, installation, disposal, and any TPMS work. Wheel rims, installation, and balancing are not included. For prolonged ice or heavy snow, consider dedicated winter tires instead of treating an all-season claim as winter-tire certification. Tire condition and correct inflation matter as much as catalogue features. Uneven wear on the current set deserves a professional alignment and suspension inspection.
My Recommendation
Consider Fullway PC369 245/60R18 (Set of Four) for four matching r18 tires if its 245/60R18 size and 105V rating meet your 2013 Ford Explorer XLT’s requirements. Its appeal is 105v standard-load suv tires supplied as a set. Wheel rims, installation, and balancing are not included. Compare other models when that limitation matters more than these listed features.
Firestone Destination LE2 245/60R18
What We Like
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What We Don’t Like
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Firestone Destination LE2 245/60R18 is an all-season highway tire listing in 245/60R18, with a stated 105H service description. Its identifiable selling points include highway all-season construction and stated treadwear coverage. That makes it a comparison candidate for paved-road suv driving, not a proven all-around winner. On a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT, this option belongs to the 18-inch-wheel group, provided the actual tire placard and vehicle service requirements agree. Similar-looking tires can have different load indexes, speed symbols, and seasonal characteristics. Seller design claims are not independent stopping-distance or road-noise tests.
The specific difference worth considering is this: A highway category suits pavement-based comparisons better than mud-traction expectations. The listing contains undefined, so calculate the full four-wheel replacement cost rather than comparing one product’s checkout price with a package of four. Consider how your vehicle is actually used, including annual mileage, road surfaces, winter conditions, and daily comfort expectations. Ask your installer to explain any material tradeoff with other similarly sized options. Do not assume that extra-load or a sport-oriented classification automatically delivers a safer or quieter ride.
Before ordering, confirm 245/60R18 and the 105H service description against Ford’s applicable tire recommendations. Check the exact seller variant, actual markings, tire quantity, and the condition of each delivered tire. Request a complete estimate including balancing, installation, disposal, and any TPMS work. Check the 105H service description and conditional coverage closely. For prolonged ice or heavy snow, consider dedicated winter tires instead of treating an all-season claim as winter-tire certification. Tire condition and correct inflation matter as much as catalogue features. Uneven wear on the current set deserves a professional alignment and suspension inspection.
My Recommendation
Consider Firestone Destination LE2 245/60R18 for paved-road suv driving if its 245/60R18 size and 105H rating meet your 2013 Ford Explorer XLT’s requirements. Its appeal is highway all-season construction and stated treadwear coverage. Check the 105H service description and conditional coverage closely. Compare other models when that limitation matters more than these listed features.
Travelstar UN66 245/60R18 (Set of Four)
What We Like
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What We Don’t Like
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Travelstar UN66 245/60R18 (Set of Four) is an all-season performance tire listing in 245/60R18, with a stated 105V service description. Its identifiable selling points include an asymmetrical suv tread and four-tire quantity. That makes it a comparison candidate for a complete r18 refresh, not a proven all-around winner. On a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT, this option belongs to the 18-inch-wheel group, provided the actual tire placard and vehicle service requirements agree. Similar-looking tires can have different load indexes, speed symbols, and seasonal characteristics.
The specific difference worth considering is this: The Amazon record advertises an all-season package, but some numeric feature text is inconsistent, so sidewall checks matter. The listing contains undefined, so calculate the full four-wheel replacement cost rather than comparing one product’s checkout price with a package of four. Consider how your vehicle is actually used, including annual mileage, road surfaces, winter conditions, and daily comfort expectations. Ask your installer to explain any material tradeoff with other similarly sized options. Do not assume that extra-load or a sport-oriented classification automatically delivers a safer or quieter ride.
Before ordering, confirm 245/60R18 and the 105V service description against Ford’s applicable tire recommendations. Check the exact seller variant, actual markings, tire quantity, and the condition of each delivered tire. Request a complete estimate including balancing, installation, disposal, and any TPMS work. Do not rely on conflicting seller weight or speed-conversion values. For prolonged ice or heavy snow, consider dedicated winter tires instead of treating an all-season claim as winter-tire certification. Tire condition and correct inflation matter as much as catalogue features. Uneven wear on the current set deserves a professional alignment and suspension inspection.
My Recommendation
Consider Travelstar UN66 245/60R18 (Set of Four) for a complete r18 refresh if its 245/60R18 size and 105V rating meet your 2013 Ford Explorer XLT’s requirements. Its appeal is an asymmetrical suv tread and four-tire quantity. Do not rely on conflicting seller weight or speed-conversion values. Compare other models when that limitation matters more than these listed features.
Accelera Iota ST68 245/60R18 (Set of Four)
What We Like
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What We Don’t Like
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Accelera Iota ST68 245/60R18 (Set of Four) is an all-season performance tire listing in 245/60R18, with a stated 105V service description. Its identifiable selling points include 105v standard-load all-season classification supplied as four. That makes it a comparison candidate for four-tire suv replacement, not a proven all-around winner. On a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT, this option belongs to the 18-inch-wheel group, provided the actual tire placard and vehicle service requirements agree. Similar-looking tires can have different load indexes, speed symbols, and seasonal characteristics. Seller design claims are not independent stopping-distance or road-noise tests.
The specific difference worth considering is this: Its package size makes full-set budgeting easier while still requiring the same tire-placard fitment checks. The listing contains undefined, so calculate the full four-wheel replacement cost rather than comparing one product’s checkout price with a package of four. Consider how your vehicle is actually used, including annual mileage, road surfaces, winter conditions, and daily comfort expectations. Ask your installer to explain any material tradeoff with other similarly sized options. Do not assume that extra-load or a sport-oriented classification automatically delivers a safer or quieter ride.
Before ordering, confirm 245/60R18 and the 105V service description against Ford’s applicable tire recommendations. Check the exact seller variant, actual markings, tire quantity, and the condition of each delivered tire. Request a complete estimate including balancing, installation, disposal, and any TPMS work. A stated mileage program is not a guaranteed lifespan. For prolonged ice or heavy snow, consider dedicated winter tires instead of treating an all-season claim as winter-tire certification. Tire condition and correct inflation matter as much as catalogue features. Uneven wear on the current set deserves a professional alignment and suspension inspection.
My Recommendation
Consider Accelera Iota ST68 245/60R18 (Set of Four) for four-tire suv replacement if its 245/60R18 size and 105V rating meet your 2013 Ford Explorer XLT’s requirements. Its appeal is 105v standard-load all-season classification supplied as four. A stated mileage program is not a guaranteed lifespan. Compare other models when that limitation matters more than these listed features.
Armstrong Tru-Trac SU 255/50R20
What We Like
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What We Don’t Like
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Armstrong Tru-Trac SU 255/50R20 is an all-season performance tire listing in 255/50R20, with a stated 109V XL service description. Its identifiable selling points include extra-load 109v suv construction and treadwear program. That makes it a comparison candidate for 20-inch xl comparison, not a proven all-around winner. On a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT, this option belongs to the 20-inch-wheel group, provided the actual tire placard and vehicle service requirements agree. Similar-looking tires can have different load indexes, speed symbols, and seasonal characteristics.
The specific difference worth considering is this: This R20 listing may appeal to owners with the corresponding 20-inch wheels, but not to the R18 group. The listing contains undefined, so calculate the full four-wheel replacement cost rather than comparing one product’s checkout price with a package of four. Consider how your vehicle is actually used, including annual mileage, road surfaces, winter conditions, and daily comfort expectations. Ask your installer to explain any material tradeoff with other similarly sized options. Do not assume that extra-load or a sport-oriented classification automatically delivers a safer or quieter ride.
Before ordering, confirm 255/50R20 and the 109V XL service description against Ford’s applicable tire recommendations. Check the exact seller variant, actual markings, tire quantity, and the condition of each delivered tire. Request a complete estimate including balancing, installation, disposal, and any TPMS work. Its treadwear rating cannot establish wet-braking or cabin-noise superiority. For prolonged ice or heavy snow, consider dedicated winter tires instead of treating an all-season claim as winter-tire certification. Tire condition and correct inflation matter as much as catalogue features. Uneven wear on the current set deserves a professional alignment and suspension inspection.
My Recommendation
Consider Armstrong Tru-Trac SU 255/50R20 for 20-inch xl comparison if its 255/50R20 size and 109V XL rating meet your 2013 Ford Explorer XLT’s requirements. Its appeal is extra-load 109v suv construction and treadwear program. Its treadwear rating cannot establish wet-braking or cabin-noise superiority. Compare other models when that limitation matters more than these listed features.
Blackhawk Agility SUV 255/50R20
What We Like
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What We Don’t Like
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Blackhawk Agility SUV 255/50R20 is an all-season performance tire listing in 255/50R20, with a stated 109V XL service description. Its identifiable selling points include 109v xl rating and all-season tread classification. That makes it a comparison candidate for 20-inch all-season suv use, not a proven all-around winner. On a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT, this option belongs to the 20-inch-wheel group, provided the actual tire placard and vehicle service requirements agree. Similar-looking tires can have different load indexes, speed symbols, and seasonal characteristics. Seller design claims are not independent stopping-distance or road-noise tests.
The specific difference worth considering is this: A published UTQG label is informational, not a direct cross-brand laboratory comparison. The listing contains undefined, so calculate the full four-wheel replacement cost rather than comparing one product’s checkout price with a package of four. Consider how your vehicle is actually used, including annual mileage, road surfaces, winter conditions, and daily comfort expectations. Ask your installer to explain any material tradeoff with other similarly sized options. Do not assume that extra-load or a sport-oriented classification automatically delivers a safer or quieter ride.
Before ordering, confirm 255/50R20 and the 109V XL service description against Ford’s applicable tire recommendations. Check the exact seller variant, actual markings, tire quantity, and the condition of each delivered tire. Request a complete estimate including balancing, installation, disposal, and any TPMS work. Verify the service description and purchase variation on delivery. For prolonged ice or heavy snow, consider dedicated winter tires instead of treating an all-season claim as winter-tire certification. Tire condition and correct inflation matter as much as catalogue features. Uneven wear on the current set deserves a professional alignment and suspension inspection.
My Recommendation
Consider Blackhawk Agility SUV 255/50R20 for 20-inch all-season suv use if its 255/50R20 size and 109V XL rating meet your 2013 Ford Explorer XLT’s requirements. Its appeal is 109v xl rating and all-season tread classification. Verify the service description and purchase variation on delivery. Compare other models when that limitation matters more than these listed features.
Fullway HP108 255/50R20 (Set of Four)
What We Like
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What We Don’t Like
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Fullway HP108 255/50R20 (Set of Four) is an all-season performance tire listing in 255/50R20, with a stated 109V XL service description. Its identifiable selling points include a four-tire 109v xl performance all-season package. That makes it a comparison candidate for four matching r20 tires, not a proven all-around winner. On a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT, this option belongs to the 20-inch-wheel group, provided the actual tire placard and vehicle service requirements agree. Similar-looking tires can have different load indexes, speed symbols, and seasonal characteristics.
The specific difference worth considering is this: This simplifies quantity comparisons for 20-inch owners, but it is not a way to convert R18 wheels. The listing contains undefined, so calculate the full four-wheel replacement cost rather than comparing one product’s checkout price with a package of four. Consider how your vehicle is actually used, including annual mileage, road surfaces, winter conditions, and daily comfort expectations. Ask your installer to explain any material tradeoff with other similarly sized options. Do not assume that extra-load or a sport-oriented classification automatically delivers a safer or quieter ride.
Before ordering, confirm 255/50R20 and the 109V XL service description against Ford’s applicable tire recommendations. Check the exact seller variant, actual markings, tire quantity, and the condition of each delivered tire. Request a complete estimate including balancing, installation, disposal, and any TPMS work. The total purchase still excludes professional mounting and balancing. For prolonged ice or heavy snow, consider dedicated winter tires instead of treating an all-season claim as winter-tire certification. Tire condition and correct inflation matter as much as catalogue features. Uneven wear on the current set deserves a professional alignment and suspension inspection.
My Recommendation
Consider Fullway HP108 255/50R20 (Set of Four) for four matching r20 tires if its 255/50R20 size and 109V XL rating meet your 2013 Ford Explorer XLT’s requirements. Its appeal is a four-tire 109v xl performance all-season package. The total purchase still excludes professional mounting and balancing. Compare other models when that limitation matters more than these listed features.
How to Choose the Best Tires for a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT
Choose tires for the 2013 Ford Explorer XLT by verifying the actual wheel diameter, service rating, and road conditions first. After that, compare the tread features and real installed cost. The three considerations below help keep those decisions in the correct order.
Confirm size and required service ratings
The tire sizes 245/60R18 and 255/50R20 belong to different rim diameters. Find the driver-door Tire and Loading Information label, compare it with the tires currently installed, and verify the wheel package. Aftermarket wheels or suspension changes require additional professional checks. An identical tire size does not mean an identical load index or speed rating. These service descriptions must satisfy the vehicle requirements; a higher number alone is not proof of a better match. Check standard-load versus XL construction rather than treating the extra-load marking as a free upgrade. Use the cold inflation value recommended for the vehicle, not a tire’s maximum sidewall pressure. Our Explorer load and tire-pressure guidance provides context for load-related tire care. Confirm sizes with a qualified tire professional before changing any wheel-and-tire package.
Balance wet grip, comfort, and seasons
An SUV or sedan tire’s tread grooves and sipes are engineered with particular handling priorities, yet marketing claims do not replace comparable road tests. Wide circumferential grooves help manage water, while small tread slits can add biting edges. Touring labels usually emphasize everyday road manners; performance labels often prioritize steering feel. Neither designation establishes actual wet-stopping distance for your vehicle. Cold temperatures, worn tread, poor inflation, and road surface can alter traction significantly. Regular inspections matter even with a new tire set. Learn about the effect of tire use and rotation in Ford Explorer rotation guidance. When severe winter conditions are common, choose appropriate winter-specific equipment. If a listing claims exceptional performance, seek independently measured evidence in the exact tire size rather than extrapolating from a different variation. For different driving surfaces, compare SUV highway and all-terrain tradeoffs.
Compare sets, costs, and ongoing care
The first product may be sold singly while another page sells four tires. Count the units before comparing any prices, and add mounting, balancing, disposal, taxes, and TPMS service where appropriate. A tire purchase normally does not include a rim. If your current tires show abnormal shoulder wear, cupping, or cracks, ask the installer to inspect wheel alignment, suspension condition, and tire age before installation. A full replacement does not correct the mechanical cause of premature wear. Tire treadwear warranties and road-hazard coverage have eligibility limits; ask the seller for the exact current policy. Check the tire production date and physical markings on delivery. For further seasonal information, the Explorer XLT winter fitment advice can support your planning without replacing the vehicle placard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tire sizes are listed for a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT?
The commonly listed sizes include 245/60R18 and 255/50R20, depending on the equipped wheels. Your driver-door placard takes priority.
Can I mount an R20 tire on an R18 or R17 wheel?
No. The R-number identifies required wheel diameter. Any changed wheel package needs an approved tire-and-wheel configuration.
Is a higher load index automatically better?
No. Match load capacity, speed rating, size, and construction to the vehicle’s approved requirements and use.
Are all-season tires suitable for severe winter driving?
They are not necessarily equivalent to dedicated winter tires on icy roads or in deep snow. Select tires for your actual climate.
What should I compare when shopping bundles?
Match tire model, size, service description, the true number of tires, warranty terms, and the complete installed cost.
Final Verdict
The Fullway PC369 245/60R18 (Set of Four) is a useful reference in the 245/60R18 group, while Armstrong Tru-Trac SU 255/50R20 represents a separate 255/50R20 option. Neither should be considered universally compatible or independently proven superior. First select the correct wheel size and service description, then weigh the verified features, quantity, climate, and total installed cost.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through them, CarInsightPro may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
