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Why do wheeled armoured vehicles have better fuel economy than tracked vehicles?

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armoured vehicle A British Warrior mechanized combat vehicle serving in NATO's Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1997.

Wheeled armoured vehicles generally offer better fuel economy than tracked vehicles because they experience less mechanical resistance and friction while moving. Tracked systems, which consist of continuous chains of plates or pads encircling wheels, are inherently more complex and heavy, requiring significantly more power to overcome the internal friction of the track assembly and the resistance generated when maneuvering on various surfaces.12

In contrast, wheeled configurations are mechanically simpler and more efficient for on-road performance, which contributes to their superior fuel efficiency. While tracked vehicles provide better adhesion and lower ground pressure—making them superior for traversing heavy, sticky, or soft soil—this capability comes at the cost of higher maintenance requirements and increased fuel consumption compared to their wheeled counterparts.12