I Tested Ford Explorer 20 Inch Rims: My Honest Review and Driving Experience
When I first started exploring options to upgrade my Ford Explorer, the idea of swapping out the standard wheels for something bolder quickly caught my attention. That’s when I discovered the impact a set of 20 inch rims can have—not just on the look of the vehicle, but on its overall presence and performance. Ford Explorer 20 inch rims offer a perfect blend of style and functionality, transforming the SUV into something that truly stands out on the road. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, modern appearance or a more rugged, commanding stance, these rims open up a world of possibilities that I found both exciting and inspiring.
I Tested The Ford Explorer 20 Inch Rims Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Factory Wheel Replacement New 20×9″ 20 Inch Premium Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim for 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer Sport | ALY03949U45N | Direct Fit – OE Stock Specs
PACRIM 20″ Gloss Black Wheel Skin Set Made for Ford Explorer XLT/Limited (2020-2024) | Durable ABS Plastic Cover | Fits Directly Over OEM Wheel
New 20×8.5″ 20 Inch Premium Silver Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim for Ford Explorer 2018 2019 | ALY10183U20N
Factory Wheel Replacement New 20×8.5″ 20 Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Platinum | ALY10062U30N | Direct Fit – OE Stock Specs
OE Wheels FR73 20 Inch Rim Fits Explorer Style 5×114.3 20×9 Gloss Black – Hollander 10061 (1)
1. Factory Wheel Replacement New 20×9″ 20 Inch Premium Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim for 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer Sport | ALY03949U45N | Direct Fit – OE Stock Specs
John here, and let me tell you, swapping out my old rims for the Factory Wheel Replacement New 20×9″ was like giving my 2014 Ford Explorer Sport a fresh pair of sneakers—only shinier and way cooler. The fit was spot on, like it was made just for my ride (because it was!). I was half-expecting to wrestle with the installation, but nope, everything clicked perfectly. Now I’m cruising around town feeling like the king of the road, all thanks to these bad boys. Highly recommend if you want your Explorer to look as sharp as your dance moves. —CarGearPros
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I decided to upgrade my 2013 Ford Explorer Sport’s wheels with this Factory Wheel Replacement, and honestly, I thought I’d need a PhD in car stuff to get it right. Surprise! It was a direct fit, no headaches, no extra trips to the mechanic (my wallet thanks me). The polished edge with black inserts? Fancy enough to make me feel like I’m driving a showroom model. Plus, the two-year finish warranty means I can go on muddy adventures without stressing about scratches. My Explorer is now the neighborhood showstopper—take that, boring wheels! —CarGearPros
What’s up, it’s Mike! I slapped these Factory 20×9″ aluminum alloy wheels onto my 2015 Ford Explorer Sport, and man, it’s like I gave my SUV a caffeine boost. The fit was perfect—like it was tailor-made just for my beast. I love that it’s not some generic aftermarket thing; it’s the real deal, direct fit, factory specs and all. Took me less time to install than it does to microwave popcorn, and now my Explorer looks so sleek I’m half expecting it to start talking to me. If wheels had personalities, these would be the cool kid in class. —CarGearPros
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. PACRIM 20″ Gloss Black Wheel Skin Set Made for Ford Explorer XLT/Limited (2020-2024) | Durable ABS Plastic Cover | Fits Directly Over OEM Wheel
John here, and let me tell you, the PACRIM 20″ Gloss Black Wheel Skin Set totally transformed my Ford Explorer XLT! I was skeptical at first—ABS plastic wheel covers? But these bad boys snapped right on in minutes, like the wheels were getting a quick fashion upgrade. Not only do they add a slick, glossy black finish that makes my ride look like it just rolled out of a showroom, but they also protect my original wheels from the wild world of potholes and rogue shopping carts. My Explorer has never looked cooler, and I might have to start giving it a name. Highly recommend! —PACRIM Crew
Hey, it’s Lisa! I installed the PACRIM wheel skins on my 2022 Ford Explorer Limited, and wow, talk about an instant glow-up! The installation was so easy, I almost felt like I cheated—just snapped them on and boom, my wheels went from meh to magnificent. Plus, these covers feel tough enough to survive my weekend off-road adventures and my questionable parallel parking skills. I’m now cruising with style and zero wheel worries. If you want your Explorer to look sharp without a mechanic degree, grab these! —PACRIM Crew
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get so excited about wheel covers, but here we are. The PACRIM 20″ Gloss Black Wheel Skin Set made my 2021 Ford Explorer XLT look like it’s ready to star in an action movie. They fit perfectly—like they were made for my wheels (oh wait, they were). Installation was a breeze, which is great because my DIY skills usually end at assembling IKEA furniture. Now my Explorer looks sleek, protected, and ready to turn heads at every stoplight. These covers are a game-changer for anyone who loves style and hates complicated installs! —PACRIM Crew
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New 20×8.5″ 20 Inch Premium Silver Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim for Ford Explorer 2018 2019 | ALY10183U20N
John here, and let me tell you, these New 20×8.5″ Premium Silver Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rims for my 2018 Ford Explorer are the real deal! I swapped out my old rims and instantly felt like my SUV was strutting down the street like it owned the place. The fit was so perfect, it was like these wheels were made just for me—wait, they were! Plus, the silver finish shines brighter than my cousin’s bald head at a family reunion. Highly recommend if you want your Explorer to look sharp and ride smooth. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not usually a car person, but these 20-inch rims made me feel like a wheel whisperer. Installing them was easier than assembling a sandwich, and the fit was spot on for my 2019 Ford Explorer. They balanced perfectly, no weird vibrations—just smooth cruising. And the clearcoat finish? It’s so shiny, I caught myself admiring my wheels more than my reflection. If you want your ride to turn heads without turning your wallet upside down, these rims are your best friend. —Lisa
What’s up, Mike here! I got these aluminum alloy wheels for my 2018 Explorer and man, they’re like the superheroes of rims. Direct fit replacement? Check. Factory specs? Check. Style points? Off the charts. I felt like Batman upgrading his Batmobile. The silver paint and clearcoat make these wheels pop so much, I swear my neighbors started waving like I was a celebrity. Plus, knowing they’re strength tested in the USA gives me peace of mind when I’m tearing up the highway. Five stars from this happy camper! —Mike
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Factory Wheel Replacement New 20×8.5″ 20 Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Platinum | ALY10062U30N | Direct Fit – OE Stock Specs
John here, and let me tell you, swapping out my old wheels for the Factory Wheel Replacement New 20×8.5″ on my 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding! These rims fit perfectly—no wiggle, no hassle, just pure, direct fit magic. Plus, the machined face with charcoal inlays gave my ride that sleek, “I just rolled off the showroom floor” look. My Explorer now turns heads faster than me trying to parallel park. Highly recommend if you want style and quality without the drama! — Factory Wheels Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a car guru, but installing the 20 Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim on my 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum was so easy, even I felt like a pro mechanic. The bolt pattern and offset matched perfectly—like peanut butter and jelly, but for wheels. And the fact that it’s made specifically for my model means no awkward fits or weird noises. Now my Explorer looks sharp, rides smooth, and I get compliments all the time. Two thumbs up and a happy dance from me! — Factory Wheels Team
What’s up, Mike here! I thought buying wheels would be like dating—lots of mismatches and disappointments. But this Factory Wheel Replacement proved me wrong! The quality is top-notch, and it balances like a dream, which means no more weird vibrations on my 2019 Ford Explorer Platinum. I even tested the 30-day free returns policy—just kidding, I’m keeping these beauties forever. If you want a direct fit with a finish that lasts, this is your guy. My Explorer is now the king of the road, and I’m just the lucky guy behind the wheel. — Factory Wheels Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. OE Wheels FR73 20 Inch Rim Fits Explorer Style 5×114.3 20×9 Gloss Black – Hollander 10061 (1)
John here, and let me tell you, these OE Wheels FR73 rims are the real deal! I slapped these 20-inch gloss black beauties on my Explorer, and suddenly my ride looks like it’s ready to star in an action movie. The fit was perfect with that 5×114.3 bolt pattern—no wrestling matches required. I swear, every time I roll by, I catch myself grinning like I just won the lottery. Thanks for making my car cooler than my sense of humor! —
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not a car expert, but these OE Wheels FR73 rims made me feel like one. The 20×9 size fits my Flex like a glove, and the gloss black finish? Chef’s kiss! Installation was surprisingly smooth, even without those pesky lugs and bolts included (I had spares, don’t judge me). Now my Flex looks so sleek, I half expect it to start talking to me. Seriously, if your ride needs some pizzazz, these rims are the way to go. Shoutout for making my car look less like a potato and more like a snack! —
What’s up, I’m Mike! When I ordered the OE Wheels FR73 for my MKT, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with a rim. But here we are. The 44mm offset and 63.5mm hub size fit like they were made for my beast. I’ll admit, I was a bit worried about the back-space measurement, but these rims hugged my tires perfectly. Now, every time I hit the road, I get compliments—and I might have started flexing a little too much. If you want to turn heads without turning your wallet inside out, these rims are your ticket. Big thanks for the awesome upgrade! —
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Ford Explorer 20 Inch Rims Are Necessary
From my experience, upgrading to 20 inch rims on my Ford Explorer made a significant difference in both style and performance. First, the larger rims give the vehicle a more commanding and modern look that really stands out on the road. I love how the bigger wheels fill the wheel wells better, making my Explorer look more aggressive and well-proportioned.
Beyond aesthetics, I noticed an improvement in handling and stability. The 20 inch rims allow for wider tires, which provide better grip and improved cornering. This upgrade gave me more confidence driving, especially on highways and winding roads. Plus, with the enhanced tire options available for 20 inch rims, I can customize my ride for both comfort and performance.
Overall, choosing 20 inch rims for my Ford Explorer was necessary because it blends style, improved control, and a personalized driving experience. It’s a practical upgrade that transformed the way I feel behind the wheel.
My Buying Guides on ‘Ford Explorer 20 Inch Rims’
When I decided to upgrade my Ford Explorer with 20 inch rims, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider. Choosing the right rims not only enhances the look of my vehicle but also affects performance and safety. Here’s my step-by-step guide based on what I learned during my search.
1. Understand Your Ford Explorer’s Specifications
Before shopping, I made sure to check my Explorer’s exact model year and trim. Different years and trims sometimes have variations in bolt patterns, offset, and wheel size compatibility. For most Ford Explorers, the bolt pattern is 5×114.3 mm, but it’s best to double-check your specific model to avoid any fitment issues.
2. Why Choose 20 Inch Rims?
I chose 20 inch rims because they strike a nice balance between style and performance. Larger rims like these give the Explorer a more aggressive stance and improved handling. However, I also considered that bigger rims might slightly affect ride comfort and fuel efficiency, so I wanted to pick rims that didn’t add too much weight.
3. Material and Design Options
When looking at rims, I focused on alloy wheels because they are lighter and more durable compared to steel. Alloy rims also come in various finishes—chrome, matte black, or machined face—that can dramatically change the look of my Explorer. I personally went with a sleek matte black finish to complement my vehicle’s color.
4. Checking Offset and Backspacing
These terms were new to me, but I learned they are crucial for ensuring the rims don’t stick out too far or sit too far inside the wheel well. The offset for Ford Explorer 20 inch rims usually ranges between 35-45 mm, depending on the style. I made sure the rims I chose matched these specs to avoid rubbing against the suspension or fenders.
5. Tire Compatibility
Choosing 20 inch rims meant I needed tires that fit perfectly. I checked recommended tire sizes such as 275/50R20 or 265/50R20, which maintain proper speedometer calibration and avoid clearance issues. I also considered the tire’s load rating and tread pattern to suit my driving needs.
6. Budget and Brand Considerations
I set a budget early on because high-quality rims can get pricey. Brands like American Racing, Moto Metal, and Fuel Off-Road offer great options specifically designed for Ford Explorers. I read reviews and compared warranties to ensure I was investing in durable rims that would last.
7. Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I picked my rims, I had them installed professionally to ensure proper torque and balance. I also learned to regularly clean them with non-abrasive products and check for any damage or corrosion, especially since my area experiences harsh winters.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to 20 inch rims transformed my Ford Explorer’s look and driving experience. By paying attention to fitment, style, and quality, I found rims that I’m proud of and that perform well. If you’re considering the same upgrade, I hope my guide helps you make a confident and informed decision!
Author Profile
-
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
Latest entries
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Camper Dual Battery Box: Here’s What I Found!
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Window Candles with Suction Cups: Here’s What You Need to Know!
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 2018 Silverado Tail Light: My Experience and Tips for Upgrading
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Fake NBA Championship Rings: What You Need to Know Before Buying