Ford Explorer Tire Pressure (Recommended PSI)
TL;DR
Ford Explorer cold tire pressure differs by generation and sometimes by trim or wheel size: roughly 35 PSI for most 2011-2019 models and roughly 33 PSI (range 33-35 depending on source and trim) for 2020-present models. Always confirm with your own door placard.
Why there is no single Explorer number
The Ford Explorer has been built across several distinct generations, and Ford - like most automakers - tunes cold tire pressure to the specific tire size, load rating, and suspension of each trim. A base XLT on 18-inch wheels and a performance-oriented ST or Platinum on 20 or 21-inch wheels can carry different placard numbers even within the same model year. A page that states one PSI figure for the entire nameplate is very likely wrong for at least some configurations.
What we could verify
Multiple sources (tire-pressure databases and owner reports quoting their own door placards) agree that 5th-generation Explorers (2011-2019) with standard-size tires are commonly placarded at 35 PSI front and rear. For the 6th-generation Explorer (2020-present), several Explorer ST owners quoting their own door-jamb sticker report 33 PSI front and rear for both the 20-inch and 21-inch wheel packages, while other aggregator sources show figures as high as 35 PSI for some trims - so we present this as a range rather than a single verified figure.
Reference table
| Generation / years | Trim or tire size | Front (PSI) | Rear (PSI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th gen (2011-2019) | Base, XLT, Limited on standard-size tires (up to ~18-20 in wheels) | 35 | 35 |
| 5th gen (2011-2019) | Sport and other performance/large-wheel trims | Check placard (not independently confirmed) | Check placard (not independently confirmed) |
| 6th gen (2020-present) | ST and other trims with 20 or 21 in wheels | 33 (some sources report up to 35) | 33 (some sources report up to 35) |
| 4th gen and earlier (2010 and older) | All trims | Not independently verified - read your placard | Not independently verified - read your placard |
Where to find the number that actually applies to your Explorer
- The tire and loading information placard on the driver-side door jamb (open the door and look at the pillar) - this is the single authoritative source for your exact vehicle.
- Your owner's manual, in the Tires and Wheels or Maintenance section.
- If you have changed to a different tire size than the factory setup, the placard figure no longer applies exactly - use the tire manufacturer's load and inflation tables instead, or ask a tire shop to recalculate.
Practical tips
Always check pressure cold, meaning before the vehicle has been driven or after it has sat for at least three hours. Tire pressure drops roughly 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit the temperature falls, so recheck at the start of each season.
Summary
| 5th gen (2011-2019) standard tires - front | 35 PSI |
|---|---|
| 5th gen (2011-2019) standard tires - rear | 35 PSI |
| 5th gen Sport/large-wheel trims | Check placard |
| 6th gen (2020-present) ST/20-21 in wheels - front | 33 PSI (some sources up to 35) |
| 6th gen (2020-present) ST/20-21 in wheels - rear | 33 PSI (some sources up to 35) |
| Pre-2011 generations | Not verified - read your placard |
| Authoritative source | Driver-door jamb placard and owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Ford Explorer: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Ford Explorer use the same tire pressure?
No. Ford sets cold tire pressure per generation, trim, and wheel/tire size, so a base XLT and a performance-oriented ST or Sport trim can have different numbers even in the same model year. Always check your own driver-door placard rather than assuming a single figure applies to every Explorer.
What tire pressure should a 2011-2019 Ford Explorer with standard wheels run?
Multiple sources agree that 5th-generation Explorers (2011-2019) on standard-size tires are commonly placarded at 35 PSI front and rear, cold. If your Explorer has upgraded or larger wheels, confirm the figure on your own door placard since it may differ.
What tire pressure should a 2020 or newer Ford Explorer run?
Owner reports quoting their own door-jamb sticker put the 6th-generation Explorer (2020-present), including the ST on 20 or 21 inch wheels, at 33 PSI front and rear, though some aggregator sources list figures up to 35 PSI depending on trim. Check your placard to be certain.
Where exactly is the tire pressure placard located?
Open the driver's door and look at the door pillar (the part of the body the door closes against), not the door itself. The placard lists the original-equipment tire size and the exact cold PSI for front and rear tires for your specific vehicle configuration.