About This Ford Explorer XLT 2013 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Bronze Ford Explorer XLT 2013 sits on a set of 22×9 / 22×9-inch Asanti-Black ABL-31 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Asanti-Black for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Ford Explorer XLT builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the Bronze exterior with the Asanti-Black ABL-31 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Asanti-Black ABL-31 on the Ford Explorer XLT 2013
I walked around this 2013 Explorer and the stance immediately caught my eye. The 22x9 Asanti-Black ABL-31 setup fills the wells perfectly without looking gaudy. We see a lot of builds, but this one nails the aggressive factory-plus aesthetic.
The +32 offset pushes these wheels just far enough toward the fender edge. It creates a flush look that avoids the tucked-in, sad appearance of stock wheels. You get a wider track that makes the Explorer feel much more planted on the road.
I checked the caliper clearance and you have plenty of room to breathe. The ABL-31 design offers a clean barrel that keeps the heavy brake components hidden. You will not have any annoying contact issues with the factory XLT hardware here.
The 9-inch width allows for a meaty tire that keeps the ride quality compliant. We always warn against going too wide, but this spec balances grip and comfort. You avoid the heavy steering feel that usually kills the joy of driving a larger SUV.
Lowering springs make all the difference for this specific fitment. Without that drop, those 22-inch wheels would look like they belong on a monster truck. Now, the fender gap disappears into a sleek, purposeful profile.
You need to watch the inner liner at full lock if you go with a super aggressive tire sidewall. I saw no signs of rubbing on this build, but the clearance is definitely tight. Keep your alignment specs tight to stay clear of those front fender liners.
The hub bore on these Asantis fits the Ford platform like a glove. We love wheels that don't force you into shaky hub-centric rings. This setup feels rock solid at highway speeds without a hint of vibration.
What We Recommend for Ford Explorer XLT 2013 Owners
If you want this look, stick to the 22x9 sizing. Anything wider than 9.5 inches starts to poke too much and ruins the clean lines. You want the wheels to compliment the body, not turn it into a track toy.
I always tell our readers to aim for offsets between +30 and +35 on these Explorers. This range hits the sweet spot for a flush look without damaging your fenders. If you go lower than +30, you invite rubbing and rock chips on your paint.
Do not even consider a staggered setup for this platform. These SUVs work best with a square configuration that allows for proper tire rotations. You save money on tires and keep the drivetrain happy for the long haul.
For tires, pick a high-quality all-season tire with a slight rim protector bead. We see too many guys run stretched tires that look weak and offer zero protection against potholes. A 265/35 or 265/40 tire keeps the proportions looking balanced and tough.
Avoid cheap spacers at all costs if you can help it. If you choose the right offset from the start, you never need to deal with vibration-inducing hardware. Do it right once and enjoy the ride for years.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze paint on this Explorer is an absolute showstopper. When the sun hits the metal, the dark finish of the Asanti ABL-31 wheels creates a sophisticated contrast. It feels custom and high-end rather than just another street build.
The ABL-31 spokes have a sharp, directional energy that makes the car look fast even at a standstill. That dark finish hides brake dust better than any bright silver wheel ever could. It keeps the car looking clean and mean throughout the work week.
I love how the proportions change when you drop the ride height. The SUV sheds its bulky, suburban image and transforms into a sleek road-cruiser. The wheels define the silhouette and draw the eye immediately to the arches.
Compared to other Explorers we have featured, this one shows restraint. Many owners go too big or too flashy, but this owner understood the assignment perfectly. It looks like a factory performance model that Ford forgot to build.
The stance isn't just for show; it gives the car a sense of gravity. You can tell this owner drives the car daily, and it looks just as good in the grocery store lot as it does at a meet. It is a masterclass in subtle, effective exterior modification.
Why We Love This Build
This Bronze Explorer is the perfect example of how the right set of wheels changes everything. The deep, rich paint pairs so well with the dark ABL-31 spokes that it looks like a factory-designed special edition. We love how the wheels fill the arches and pull the entire design together into one cohesive, aggressive package.
Seeing this car roll down the street makes us stop in our tracks every single time. It captures that elusive balance between daily comfort and pure aesthetic joy that most builders miss. You want to stare at it because it just looks right from every single angle.
If you want to transform your own SUV, start exactly here. This is the blueprint for a perfect Explorer build.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Ford Explorer XLT 2013
- Vehicle Color: Bronze
- Wheel Brand & Model: Asanti-Black ABL-31
- Wheel Size: 22×9 / 22×9
- Offset: 32 / 32
- Tires: Toyo Tires Proxes ST III 265/40 30.3″x10.4″ / 265/40 30.3″x10.4″
- Suspension: Lowering Springs
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Ford Explorer XLT owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 22×9 / 22×9-inch wheels fit my Ford Explorer XLT? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Ford Explorer XLT owners run 22×9 / 22×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
