We’ve written extensively about the Ford Escape and numerous questions you can have about this car. Today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your Escape.
So what is the exact bolt pattern of a Ford Escape?
Ford Escape from 2013 onwards have a 5×4.25 inches (5x108mm) bolt pattern, a 2.49 inches (63.4mm) center bore, and five lug nuts with M12 x 1.5 thread size that should be tightened with 100lb-ft (135Nm) of torque. 2001 – 2012 Ford Escape has a 5×4.5 inches (5×114.3mm) bolt pattern, and a 2.64 inches (67.1mm) center bore.
However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. While we’ve covered the bolt pattern of all Ford models before, below we’ve outlined the bolt pattern in more detail for each generation.
We also discuss what lugs/bolts are used precisely, the exact diameter of the center bore hub, and the torque specifications of the bolts.
Finally, we also have information about each engine type’s exact tire size and rim size. You should know precisely what you can and cannot buy this way. Read on!
Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation
To fit a wheel properly on your Escape, you’ll need to know more aspects than just the bolt pattern. Below we’ve outlined all the factors you should be aware of for each generation of the Escape. These include: center bore diameter, wheel tightening torque, whether lug nuts or bolts are used, and the thread size of the bolts.
We also want to clarify that the below-listed specifications are the same for all models within that generation. The Escape, of course, comes in different trim levels and engine options. However, these bolt patterns, lugs used, and torque specifications do not change for other models within a generation.
Furthermore, we also listed the exact tire and rim size used with each engine option to give you a precise idea of what tires you can and cannot buy.
2001
- Ford Escape with a 2.0i I4 engine has a standard tire size of 225/70R15 and a standard rim size of 6.5Jx15 ET45.
- Ford Escape with a 3.0i V6 engine has a standard tire size of 225/70R15 or 235/70R16 and a standard rim size of 6.5Jx15 ET50 or 7Jx16 ET45.
2002 – 2004
- Ford Escape with a 2.0i I4 engine has a standard tire size of 225/70R15 and a standard rim size of 6.5Jx15 ET45.
- Ford Escape with a 3.0i V6 engine has a standard tire size of 225/70R15 or 235/70R16 and a standard rim size of 6.5Jx15 ET50 or 7Jx16 ET45.
2005 – 2007
- Ford Escape with a 2.3 I4 or 3.0i V6 engine has a standard tire size of 235/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET45.
- Ford Escape with a 2.3i I4 engine has a standard tire size of 225/75R15 or 235/70R16 and a standard rim size of 6.5Jx15 ET45 or 7Jx16 ET45.
2008
- Ford Escape with a 2.3 I4, 2.3i I4 or 3.0i V6 engine has a standard tire size of 235/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET45.
2009 – 2012
- Ford Escape with a 2.5 I4, 2.5i I4 or 3.0i V6 engine has a standard tire size of 235/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET45.
2013 – 2016
- Ford Escape with a 1.6 EcoBoost I4 or 2.5i I4 engine has a standard tire size of 235/55R17 and a standard rim size of 7.5Jx17 ET52.5.
- Ford Escape with a 2.0 EcoBoost I4 engine has a standard tire size of 235/50R18 and a standard rim size of 7.5Jx18 ET52.5.
2017 – 2019
- Ford Escape with a 1.5 EcoBoost I4 or 2.5i I4 engine has a standard tire size of 235/55R17 and a standard rim size of 7.5Jx17 ET52.5.
- Ford Escape with a 2.0 EcoBoost I4 engine has a standard tire size of 235/50R18 and a standard rim size of 7.5Jx18 ET52.5.
2020 – 2022
- Ford Escape with a 1.5 EcoBoost I3 engine has a standard tire size of 225/65R17 and a standard rim size of 7Jx17 ET50.
- Ford Escape with a 2.0 EcoBoost I4 engine has a standard tire size of 225/60R18 or 225/55R19 and a standard rim size of 7Jx18 ET50 or 7Jx19 ET50.
- Ford Escape with a 2.5H I4 engine has a standard tire size of 225/65R17 or 225/60R18 and a standard rim size of 7Jx17 ET50 or 7Jx18 ET50.
Retightening The Bolts
As said before, most generations of the Escape that we discussed have five lug nuts. These need to be secured in a specific way when you mount the wheel to the car again.
This information is stated in the owner’s manual, but we’ve gone through the effort of instructing you here. Ford advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.
You do this by tightening all the nuts with a wheel wrench first. Please make sure only to tighten them halfway; otherwise, you’ll run into problems.
In the second round, you tighten them with the wheel wrench to the appropriate lbs-ft or Nm that we’ve stated earlier. Please note that the current generation of the Escape needs to have the bolt tightened to 100 ft-lb.
It’s expected that your wheel also has a center cap or cover. These need to be secured in the same pattern. Please tighten them first-hand snug with your hands. Then, use the wheel wrench to tighten them another one-quarter turn.
It’s also important to check if the lug nuts are still secured after 30 miles (48 kilometers). Please make sure they are all in place and still tightened with the proper force. If not, tighten them again and recheck. If this keeps happening, you’ll need to replace the wheel.
When Or Why To Rotate/Change Tires
Suppose you’re changing your tire. You also need to know when to change or rotate it precisely. Let’s first talk about changing your tires. Tires usually last around 60,000 – 75,000 miles or 4-5 years. After this period they need to be replaced.
Sometimes this happens earlier, and therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tread wear indicators. These are shown in the image below. These indicators show when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less tread remaining.
Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Escape, it’s said that this needs to happen every 7,500 miles or 12,000 kilometers.
It’s advised you rotate the tires in the exact way that’s shown below. The front tires are moved to the back, and the front tires move crisscross to the front.
Closing Thoughts
We’ve reached the end of the road for this post and now you’re all clued up about the bolt pattern of your Ford Escape. You’ve got the knowledge to nail any tire or rim swap-outs or upgrades. If you want to learn more about the Ford Escape, check out this list of common problems to look for.
Just remember, matching your car’s bolt pattern to your wheel’s pattern is about more than just looks—it’s key to keeping you safe and your ride running smooth.
And hey, if you’re the curious type and want to dig into bolt patterns for other Ford models, we’ve got you covered. Check out our nifty guides on “The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Ford EcoSport” and “The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Ford Bronco Sport” among other Ford models.
Stay tuned for more car talk, drive safe, and keep your motor running with a passion for cars!
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!