Tire: Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia
Category: Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season
UTQG (treadwear): 640 A A / 6400 A B
The Ecopia line of tires from Bridgestone is their attempt to try and get out every last bit of fuel economy as possible from their tire technology. These tires in particular were developed for small and medium sized crossovers and sport utility vehicles that want to have year-round traction, but will also be good for the environment. How does the Dueler H/L 422 actually improve fuel economy...well it has to do with their use of low rolling resistance tread compound which is unique to these tires in particular.
This tire receives very high marks from drivers, and in particular as it relates to treadlife. As you can see from the rating, it's 640 UTQG is quite a bit higher than others in the performance category. Most drivers also report getting somewhere between 3-10% better fuel economy, mainly depending on vehicle size more than anything else. That is, the smaller the vehicle, the greater the benefit. Which means this tire could have huge implications for divers of small crossovers and SUVs. Most seem to get about 50,000 miles out of a set, which is particularly good for a tire that was created to improve fuel economy.
