The 2013 Ford Escape marked a significant turning point for Ford’s popular compact SUV, introducing a completely redesigned second generation that departed dramatically from its predecessor. This comprehensive 2013 Ford Escape Tyre Size Reference is your definitive guide to understanding every aspect of tyre specifications, helping you make informed decisions about replacements, upgrades, and seasonal changes.
Whether you’re a new owner seeking to understand your vehicle’s requirements or an experienced motorist considering tyre upgrades, this detailed reference covers all aspects of the 2013 Escape’s tyre specifications across every trim level. From basic size requirements and load ratings to performance implications and seasonal considerations, this 2013 Ford Escape Tyre Size Reference provides the comprehensive information needed to make confident choices about your vehicle’s most important safety component. You’ll discover how different tyre sizes affect fuel economy, handling characteristics, and replacement costs, ensuring you select the perfect tyres for your driving needs and budget.
Table of Contents
Understanding the 2013 Ford Escape Platform
The 2013 model year represented Ford’s bold reimagining of the Escape, transitioning from a truck-based platform to a more car-like unibody construction. This fundamental change influenced every aspect of the vehicle, including its tyre requirements and specifications. The new design prioritised fuel efficiency, on-road comfort, and urban manoeuvrability, while maintaining the versatility that made the original Escape popular amongst British families and professionals.
Ford offered the 2013 Escape in three trim levels: S, SE, and Titanium. Each trim level came with different standard tyre sizes, reflecting various customer segments’ varying performance and aesthetic priorities. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when selecting replacement tyres or considering upgrades.
Standard Tyre Specifications by Trim Level
Ford Escape S (Base Trim)
The entry-level S trim came equipped with 235/70R16 tyres mounted on 16-inch steel wheels. These tyres measure 235 millimetres in width, with a sidewall height that’s 70% of the tyre width, and are fitted to 16-inch diameter rims. This configuration was chosen to optimise fuel economy while providing adequate ground clearance and a comfortable ride quality.
The 235/70R16 size offers several advantages for the budget-conscious motorist. The larger sidewall provides better cushioning over rough surfaces, making them particularly suitable for British road conditions where potholes and uneven surfaces are common. Additionally, these tyres typically cost less to replace than lower-profile alternatives, making them an economical choice for fleet operators and value-conscious consumers.
Ford Escape SE (Mid-Range Trim)
As standard equipment, the SE trim level featured 235/60R17 tyres on 17-inch alloy wheels. This size represents a step up in aesthetics and performance compared to the base model. The reduced sidewall height (60% versus 70%) improves steering response and cornering stability, while the larger wheel diameter enhances the vehicle’s visual appeal.
Some SE models were also available with an optional 235/55R18 tyre package, mounted on stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. This upgrade enhanced the vehicle’s appearance and provided even sharper handling characteristics, though at the expense of some ride comfort and potentially higher replacement costs.
Ford Escape Titanium (Premium Trim)
The range-topping Titanium trim came standard with 235/50R19 tyres on 19-inch alloy wheels. These low-profile tyres delivered the most responsive handling and gave the Escape a distinctly premium appearance. The 50-series sidewall provides minimal flex during cornering, maximising steering precision and feedback.
However, the trade-off for this enhanced performance is reduced ride comfort, increased road noise, and increased vulnerability to pothole damage. The larger wheel diameter also means replacement tyres and wheels can be significantly more expensive than smaller alternatives.
Decoding Tyre Size Numbers
Understanding tyre size markings is essential for any vehicle owner. Let’s examine what each number means using the standard 235/60R17 size as an example:
235: This figure represents the millimetre tyre width from sidewall to sidewall when inflated correctly and mounted. A wider tyre generally provides better traction and stability but may increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
60: The aspect ratio indicates the sidewall height as a percentage of the tyre width. In this case, the sidewall height is 60% of 235mm, or approximately 141mm. Lower aspect ratios provide better handling response but less cushioning over rough surfaces.
R: This letter indicates radial construction, which is standard for all modern passenger car tyres. Radial tyres offer superior durability, fuel efficiency, and performance compared to older bias-ply designs.
17: The final number represents the wheel diameter in inches. For proper fitment, this measurement must match your wheel size exactly.
Load Index and Speed Ratings
Beyond the basic size designation, tyres carry load index and speed rating markings crucial for safety and performance. The 2013 Ford Escape typically requires a load index of 106, indicating each tyre can safely support 950 kilograms when properly inflated. Given that the vehicle weighs approximately 1,500-1,700 kilograms, depending on configuration, this provides an appropriate safety margin.
Speed ratings for Escape tyres typically range from T (190 km/h) to H (210 km/h), with some performance-oriented options rated to V (240 km/h). For most British driving conditions, a T or H rating provides more than adequate capability whilst often offering better fuel economy and longer tread life than higher-speed-rated alternatives.
Seasonal Tyre Considerations
British weather conditions make tyre selection particularly important. Wet roads, occasional snow, and significant temperature variations throughout the year make driving challenging. The 2013 Ford Escape’s tyre choices should reflect these difficult conditions.
Summer Tyres
Summer tyres, designed for temperatures above 7°C, offer optimal performance during warm months. They feature tread compounds that provide excellent grip on both dry and wet roads when temperatures are moderate to warm. For the Ford Escape, summer tyres in the standard sizes provide crisp handling and shorter braking distances during fair weather conditions.
Popular summer tyre options for the 2013 Escape include the Michelin Latitude Tour HP, Continental CrossContact LX20, and Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia. These tyres balance performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity whilst maintaining the quiet operation expected in a family vehicle.
All-Season Tyres
All-season tyres represent a compromise between summer and winter performance, designed to provide reasonable capability across a broad temperature range. For many British motorists, quality all-season tyres offer the convenience of year-round use without the expense and hassle of seasonal changeovers.
The 2013 Ford Escape works well with all-season tyres such as the Michelin CrossClimate+, Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2, or Continental AllSeasonContact. These tyres provide adequate winter traction for light snow whilst maintaining good warm-weather performance.
Winter Tyres
For maximum cold-weather capability, dedicated winter tyres remain the gold standard. When temperatures consistently drop below 7°C, winter tyres’ specialised rubber compounds and tread patterns dramatically improve traction on snow, ice, and cold, wet surfaces.
Recommended winter tyres for the Ford Escape include the Continental WinterContact TS 860, Michelin X-Ice Snow, and Nokian WR SUV 3. These tyres transform the vehicle’s winter capability, providing confidence-inspiring traction in challenging conditions.
Performance Implications of Different Tyre Sizes
The choice between different tyre sizes significantly impacts vehicle performance and ownership experience.
Fuel Economy Considerations
Larger, wider tyres generally increase rolling resistance, negatively impacting fuel consumption. The base 235/70R16 tyres typically provide the best fuel economy due to their narrower footprint and higher sidewall, which reduces rolling resistance. Conversely, the 235/50R19 tyres fitted to Titanium models may reduce fuel economy by 5-10% compared to the base specification.
Ride Quality and Noise
Tyre size dramatically affects ride comfort and interior noise levels. The 16-inch tyres with tall sidewalls provide the most compliant ride, absorbing road imperfections. As wheel size increases and sidewall height decreases, ride quality becomes firmer and traffic noise rises.
Handling and Performance
Larger wheels and lower-profile tyres improve handling precision and reduce body roll during cornering. The 19-inch wheel package provides the sharpest steering response and most confident high-speed stability, whilst the 16-inch setup prioritises comfort over sporty handling.
Replacement Costs
Tyre replacement costs vary significantly based on size and specification. The 235/70R16 tyres are typically the most affordable to replace, with quality options available from £80-120 per tyre. Mid-range 17-inch tyres cost approximately £100-150 each, whilst the premium 19-inch tyres can range from £150-250 per tyre or more for high-performance options.
Maintenance and Replacement Guidelines
Proper tyre maintenance is crucial for safety, performance, and longevity. The 2013 Ford Escape’s tyre pressure monitoring system helps alert drivers to significant pressure losses, but regular manual checks remain essential.
Recommended Tyre Pressures
Ford specifies different inflation pressures based on tyre size and loading conditions. The recommended pressure for the 235/70R16 tyres is typically 35 PSI (2.4 bar) for normal loading. The 17-inch and larger tyres may require slightly higher pressures, usually 36-38 PSI (2.5-2.6 bar). Always check the vehicle’s door jamb sticker for specific recommendations, which may vary based on market and specific vehicle configuration.
Rotation Patterns
Regular tyre rotation helps ensure even wear and maximum tyre life. For the Ford Escape’s standard configuration, Ford recommends rotating tyres every 8,000-10,000 miles using a front-to-rear, rear-to-front pattern on the same side of the vehicle. This pattern works well for non-directional tyres and helps balance the wear characteristics between front and rear positions.
Replacement Timing
Tyres should be replaced when tread depth reaches 2mm, though many experts recommend replacement at 3mm for optimal wet-weather performance. Visual inspection should also check for irregular wear patterns, sidewall damage, or age-related deterioration. Even if tread depth appears adequate, tyres over six years old should be inspected by a professional and considered for replacement.
Aftermarket Wheel and Tyre Options
The 2013 Ford Escape’s popularity has spawned a robust aftermarket for wheels and tyres, allowing owners to customise appearance and performance characteristics.
Plus-Sizing Considerations
Plus-sizing involves fitting larger wheels with lower-profile tyres whilst maintaining the overall wheel-and-tyre diameter. For example, an owner with 16-inch wheels might upgrade to 18-inch wheels with 235/55R18 tyres. This modification can improve handling and appearance but may compromise ride comfort and increase costs.
Aftermarket Wheel Specifications
When selecting aftermarket wheels, several specifications must match the original equipment: bolt pattern (5x108mm for the Escape), centre bore (63.4mm), and offset (typically 55mm). Incorrect specifications can cause vibrations, premature bearing wear, or clearance issues with suspension and brake components.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Tyre selection involves essential safety and legal requirements beyond simple size matching. Understanding these obligations protects you, your passengers, and other road users while ensuring compliance with UK regulations.
Tyre selection carries essential safety and legal implications beyond simple size matching.
Load Capacity Requirements
Replacement tyres must meet or exceed the original equipment load rating. Installing tyres with insufficient load capacity can lead to dangerous failures, particularly when the vehicle is heavily loaded or during high-speed driving.
Speed Rating Compliance
Similarly, speed ratings should meet or exceed original specifications. While saving money with lower-speed-rated tyres may be tempting, this can compromise safety margins and may void insurance coverage in some circumstances.
Legal Requirements
The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre width. However, stopping distances increase dramatically as tread depth decreases, particularly on wet surfaces. Many safety organisations recommend replacement at 3mm for optimal performance.
Conclusion: 2013 Ford Escape Tyre Size Reference
The 2013 Ford Escape’s tyre specifications reflect Ford’s careful balance between performance, economy, and versatility across different trim levels. Whether replacing worn tyres with original equipment specifications or considering upgrades to enhance performance or appearance, understanding these specifications and their implications helps ensure you make the best choice for your driving needs and budget.
Each size offers distinct advantages and compromises, from the economical 235/70R16 tyres on base models to the performance-oriented 235/50R19 options on Titanium trims. By considering driving conditions, performance priorities, and budget constraints, Ford Escape owners can select tyres that optimise their vehicle’s capabilities while ensuring safety and value.
Regular maintenance, proper inflation, and timely replacement remain crucial regardless of which tyre option you choose. The 2013 Ford Escape’s excellent platform provides a solid foundation for tyre performance, but realising that potential requires attention to these fundamental details.