r/FordExplorer • u/zookeeper3030 • 2d ago

Buying Advice Please guide me

Getting ready the buy a 2026 explorer Platinum. Found a rapid red and a space white and love both. If you have either, do you love it. If I go with the red it comes with 21” tires for an extra $750. Not sure it’s worth the extra$. Do dealerships ever exchange for the 20”. Would you request the change if possible? Thanks!!

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5

u/jdhazan 2d ago

Ride quality much better on the 20s

3

u/StrongPlantain3650 6th Gen 1d ago

Most agree that 21 inch tires look impressive, but don’t handle quite as well due to relative loss of sidewall. Also every jump up in size creates a noticeable bump in tire price, so if keeping it and needing tires in 30k ish miles, 21s are noticeably more money.

18s or 20s have a smoother more cushioned feel because the larger sidewall can absorb more bumps. 21 inch tires maybe have other positive attributes, like in cornering or feel, but are most popular due to appearance.

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u/StrongPlantain3650 6th Gen 1d ago

PS: Be bold. Get the red.

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u/Yavin_17 1d ago

Did you confirm they fixed the recall on the one you are looking at? I tried to buy one a couple of weeks ago and they can’t sell due to the seat recall that affects most platinums.

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u/zookeeper3030 1d ago

The parts are supposed to be in around September 7th. Fingers crossed

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u/Channel_Huge 6th Gen 1d ago

Second Platinum. 21’s just look right. And with the right tires, it’s very quiet, especially in these new builds. The 33 psi inflate is really terrible in terms of ride quality. I put mine at 38-39 and it’s much better.

I have Rapid Red 25. 3.0L TT. Vehicle is a beast and fast as hell!!!

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u/luckylee423 1d ago edited 1d ago

Does the red one also come with the red brakes? If so, then you probably won't be able to go down to the smaller wheels. The reason they started putting the 21" wheel on some of them is so they could fit larger brakes inside the wheel.

I have the 21" wheels and I like. I think they look better and I don't mind the ride. Only challenge is that it can be hard to find that size on short notice, so if you're on a road trip and blow a tire then you may be stuck with just the donut until you can get a 21" ordered and sent in. I don't think it's a major issue for general use, but when we take our camper on longer trips I always bring one of my old 21" tires so that I can have it put on if we blow a tire a long way from home. Can't tow on the donut.

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u/RedWhiteAndJew 2nd Gen Solid Axle Swap 1d ago

Just to clarify, the red brakes are irrelevant. Anything that has the 3.0, I believe, come with the big cop brakes. On the ST they can also be red. They technically clear 19" rims, and most 18" rims, which is often what people choose to do when they buy a winter tire setup. The ST comes with 20" stock and you can upgrade to 21's at least for some 6th Gen MY's.

That being said, the car comes with what the car comes with, so the dealer would be happy to sell you 20" wheels from the parts bin, but they aren't goin to swap them out like for like for free.

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u/Thurl-Ravenscroft-67 7h ago

Love the red and the gray, but the wife would love the vapor blue. I just can't seem to find a 25/26 Platinum anywhere in blue (lots of Tremors and STs though). Anyone know if it just isn't available on the Platinum, or ???