2017 Ford Escape Tire Size and Tire Pressure

Welcome to the tire page from a guy who actually drives a 2017 Ford Escape and changes his own rubber. Tires affect everything including comfort, handling, braking, fuel economy, so getting them right is worth it. This guide covers typical factory sizes, how to confirm what your Escape wants, why pressures matter, rotation patterns, and what I’ve learned from winter driving and road-trip miles.

Factory sizes (how to confirm yours)

2017 Escape trims commonly use wheel sizes in the 17–19 inch range. Rather than guessing from the trim name, check the tire placard on the driver-side door jamb and the tire sidewall. The placard gives the factory-approved size and cold inflation pressure for your specific build (and sometimes front vs rear pressures). Wheels or options may change things, so the placard is the truth.

Recommended pressures (cold)

Tire pressure is measured “cold,” meaning before you drive more than a couple of minutes and before the sun bakes the side directly. Under-inflation creates heat and wear; over-inflation can reduce grip and comfort. I keep a reliable digital gauge in my glove box and check monthly, and always before long highway runs.

Rotation basics (save your tread and your wallet)

• Interval: Many owners rotate every 8,000–10,000 km (5,000–6,000 mi), often paired with oil changes.
• Pattern: If all four tires are non-directional and the same size, a standard cross-pattern works. If you run directional tread or staggered sizes, follow the pattern those require.
• AWD note: Keeping tread depths similar front to rear is especially important on AWD to avoid drivetrain stress. Measure with a tread gauge or a coin trick.

All-season vs winter vs all-weather

All-season tires can handle mild shoulder seasons but aren’t magic in true winter. If you see regular snow/ice, winter tires (with the mountain/snowflake symbol) are a game-changer because better rubber compounds stay flexible in cold temps, improving stopping and turning. All-weather is a middle ground with the snowflake symbol, meant to live on the car year-round in moderate climates. I run all-weathers on Alice with good results for our shoulder seasons and the occasional snow day, as the weather here in Victoria rarely sees blizzard conditions, but deep winter roads inland still favour dedicated winters.

Ride, noise, and MPG expectations

Bigger wheels (19″) often look great but can ride firmer and weigh more. Smaller wheels (17″) usually ride softer and sometimes help fuel economy. Aggressive tread patterns can make a light hum which is totally normal, however I prefer the quietest tires available as I do alot of driving. So if you commute a lot as I do, you might prefer quieter touring tires; if you do cottage roads and weekend hikes, mild all-terrain or all-weather options can add grip without killing comfort.

Buying tips (from a DIY owner)

• Match the placard size: That keeps the speedometer and handling predictable.
• Check load and speed ratings: Don’t go under what Ford specified. Higher load ratings can be useful for cargo trips.
• Age matters: Tires harden with time. If you’re buying “new old stock,” check the DOT code (week/year). I prefer rubber under ~3 years old at purchase.
• Get an alignment when you install new tires or notice uneven wear. It’s cheaper than burning a tread pattern into a diagonal stripe. Trust me, pay the few dollars before you notice unusual wear on your tires, there's no coming back from it.

Handy gear

• 12V inflator: Shop inflators
• Accurate digital gauge: Shop gauges
• Tread depth gauge: Shop

Note: Fitment can vary by wheel option and region. Always match your door-placard size, load, and speed ratings. If you’ve changed wheels, measure clearances.

Winter setup and storage

If you run winter tires, a second set of wheels (steelies or inexpensive alloys) makes swaps easy in the driveway. I label each wheel (LF, RF, LR, RR) with painter's tape before storage, bag them to keep the car clean, and store them flat or on racks in a cool, dark place. Before reinstalling, I clean the hub faces and apply a very light film of anti-seize on the hub center (not on the lug threads) to prevent sticking.

Pressure habits to keep you out of trouble

• I check pressures monthly and after big temperature swings. A 10°C drop can rob a couple PSI.
• I carry a small 12V inflator and have probably saved myself five gas-station detours in the last year.
• I don’t chase “max sidewall” numbers, those aren’t the target. The door placard is.

Important note

Always follow the tire placard on your own Escape and the wheel/tire maker’s guidance. If you’ve upsized or changed wheel width/offset, consult a tire professional to confirm safe fitment and clearances.