By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-17
The Ford Explorer ST is Ford Performance's take on the Explorer: a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 in a full-size three-row SUV. It rides on 21-inch wheels with summer-biased UHP tires from the factory, plus quad exhaust tips and Brembo front brakes. Its tire requirements are meaningfully different from the standard Explorer. The ST calls for UHP performance compounds appropriate for a 400-hp vehicle, not the touring tires on lesser trims.
OEM Tires and Fitment on the Explorer ST
The Ford Explorer ST ships on 275/45R21 Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season tires on the 21-inch wheel option (255/55R20 on the 20-inch option), a square, non-staggered setup that allows full rotation. The Scorpion Zero All Season is a UHP all-season SUV tire that balances performance with year-round usability. It's not a full summer tire, which reflects Ford's decision to make the ST broadly usable rather than track-focused.
The 275/45R21 square setup is practical: full front-to-rear rotation is possible, which extends tire life given the ST's 400-hp output. UHP all-season compounds wear faster than standard touring tires, so the rotation benefit is real.
The 21-inch wheel size limits tire options compared to more common 18 and 19-inch fitments. Not all performance compounds are available in 275/45R21, so verify availability before committing to a specific tire choice.
Performance Tier Options for the Explorer ST
Staying in the UHP all-season category: the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 in 275/45R21 is the strongest available all-season upgrade over the OEM Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season. It delivers better dry and wet grip than the Scorpion Zero while maintaining four-season usability. The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ is an excellent alternative in the same category.
Stepping up to full summer tires: the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Continental SportContact 7 are available in 275/45R21 and deliver meaningfully better dry grip than any all-season. The trade-off is reduced cold-weather performance — summer tires harden below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. For the ST as a year-round vehicle in Georgia, summer tires are viable most of the year.
The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 in 275/45R21 is another summer option that works well on the ST platform and is available in Ford-adjacent fit sizes.
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Rotation and Maintenance for ST Tires
The ST square setup (same size all four corners) makes tire rotation straightforward. Rotate every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. The 400-hp engine creates real torque stress on the rear tires under acceleration, and regular rotation prevents premature rear wear.
The 21-inch wheels and low-profile 45-series tires increase the risk of wheel damage from potholes compared to taller sidewall setups. Inspect wheels for curb rash and bending after any significant impact. Low-profile tires transmit pothole impacts directly to the wheel, and bent rims are a common expense on this setup in areas with rough road surfaces.
Frequently asked
What tires come on the Ford Explorer ST?
The Explorer ST ships with 275/45R21 Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season tires on the 21-inch wheel option (255/55R20 on the 20-inch option). This is a square setup (same size front and rear) that allows full tire rotation. The Scorpion Zero All Season is a UHP all-season compound appropriate for the ST's 400-hp performance intent.
What size tires does the Ford Explorer ST use?
275/45R21 on all four corners (255/55R20 on the 20-inch wheel option). The square setup enables full rotation. Verify with the door jamb sticker for your specific model year, since trim changes can affect specifications.
What is the best performance tire upgrade for the Explorer ST?
The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 in 275/45R21 is the strongest all-season upgrade over the OEM Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season. For maximum dry grip, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Continental SportContact 7 in the same size are the summer tire upgrades. Both deliver noticeably more grip than the OEM tire at the cost of reduced cold-weather performance.
Can I rotate Ford Explorer ST tires?
Yes. The ST uses the same 275/45R21 size on all four corners (255/55R20 on the 20-inch option), which allows full front-to-rear rotation. Rotate every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Regular rotation is especially important on the ST, since its 400-hp output creates uneven rear wear under hard acceleration.
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Last updated 2026-07-17. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.