I was reading about loss of fuel mileage with Michelin tires compared to the set they replaced. I faced this on my 2003 Silverado when I replaced the OEM Goodyear Wranglers. I lost at least one MPG, maybe up to 2. I have much more traction with the Michelins, and the increased safety outweighs the fuel mileage hit.
Although tread design and compound influences traction more than rolling resistance, the tire carcass is likely the main design feature affecting the tradeoff. It may be that a tire that has good traction has a bigger footprint that requires the tire to flex more eating up efficiency.
Although tread design and compound influences traction more than rolling resistance, the tire carcass is likely the main design feature affecting the tradeoff. It may be that a tire that has good traction has a bigger footprint that requires the tire to flex more eating up efficiency.