Goodyear’s European truck tire range is built around two families that fleets mention in the same breath: FUELMAX, the fuel-efficient line, and KMAX, the mileage line. They share technology, such as IntelliMax and Flexomatic sipes, and many share sizes, so buyers often ask which one to choose. The answer depends on what the vehicle does, not on a brand preference. This guide uses the Goodyear truck tire data book to compare the two families by position, explain the technologies behind them, and show how to match them to routes. It also explains the EU label figures that Goodyear prints for each tire. For the cost side of the decision, see our low rolling resistance truck tires and total cost of ownership guides.
Two families, two jobs
Goodyear’s range map arranges the on-road tires into four application groups: fuel efficient, on-road mileage, road mixed service and the winter and urban lines. The two that matter here are the first two.
| Family | Goodyear’s intent | Positions | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUELMAX | Lowest rolling resistance; fuel and CO2 savings | Steer, drive, trailer | Long-haul and inter-regional trunk routes |
| KMAX | Mileage and robustness across changing loads and roads | Steer, drive, trailer | Regional and mixed highway work, variable loads |
FUELMAX GEN-2 steer and drive tires are described as providing optimal fuel efficiency while coping with the daily challenges of the route. KMAX GEN-2 tires are described as adapted to changing load conditions in a wide range of applications. The difference in wording is the difference in design priority: FUELMAX puts rolling resistance first, KMAX puts wear life and robustness first, and both carry the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake marking in their GEN-2 versions.
The technologies behind the labels
- IntelliMax Rib Technology (FUELMAX S GEN-2, KMAX S GEN-2): stiffener bridges connect as the tire rolls through the footprint, making the tread stiffer and limiting slip. Goodyear credits it with precise steering and high mileage.
- IntelliMax Groove Technology (FUELMAX D GEN-2): hidden raindrop-shaped center grooves close in the footprint, ribs support each other and the tread stiffens, which lowers rolling resistance. On FUELMAX D Performance the grooves open when the tire is 50 percent worn, creating extra grip and drainage late in life.
- Flexomatic sipes: deep sipes close as they roll through the contact patch so that tread blocks interlock. This keeps the tread stiff for low rolling resistance while retaining short braking distances.
- Full silica tread (FUELMAX Performance): a chemical formulation and polymer network for lower rolling resistance and better wet grip, with sipes down to 70 percent of tread depth.
- Dual tread compound (KMAX D GEN-2): a top layer with high abrasion resistance over a base compound with low rolling resistance. This is Goodyear’s way of getting mileage and fuel economy together.
- Dynamic stone ejecting design (KMAX D GEN-2): grooves open under torque to release trapped stones, protecting the casing.
- Tread depth measuring windows (FUELMAX D GEN-2): 16 windows in the tread give openings to the bottom of the IntelliMax grooves for easy wear checks.
Steer, drive and trailer: what each position offers
Steer axle
The FUELMAX S GEN-2 combines IntelliMax Rib Technology with deep Flexomatic sipes and a regular footprint pressure distribution that promotes even wear. The FUELMAX S Performance goes further on rolling resistance with a full silica tread, and is offered in 315/70R22.5 and 385/55R22.5. The KMAX S GEN-2 uses a cool-running, high-abrasion-resistance compound and an optimized casing shape. Goodyear states that the earlier KMAX S offered up to 30 percent more mileage than its predecessor in its own comparative tests on size 315/80R22.5. The KMAX S A adds robustness and 3PMSF marking in the 355/50R22.5 and 315/60R22.5 sizes.
Drive axle
The FUELMAX D GEN-2 offers high fuel-saving potential and excellent traction for inter-regional and long-haul work, with sipes down to 100 percent of tread depth. The KMAX D GEN-2 has a density array of deep sipes and grooves, with 6 percent more biting-edge length until the end of life, and the dual compound described above. Goodyear reports, again from its own tests, that the earlier KMAX D offered up to 35 percent more mileage than its predecessor.
Trailer axle
The FUELMAX T uses a multi-radius cavity and a silica-rich compound for ultra-low rolling resistance, with a new bead geometry and high-tensile cord material for a robust casing and better retreadability. The KMAX T GEN-2 is designed for excellent mileage under all-season conditions with a robust tread against damage and wear. Where trailers are heavily loaded, the HL (high load) versions of the 385/65R22.5 offer index 164.
Sizes and load indexes
Selected sizes from the data book, with load index, speed symbol and the EU label grades Goodyear prints (rolling resistance, wet grip, noise class in dB):
| Tire | Size | Load index / speed | Label (RR / wet) and noise |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUELMAX S GEN-2 | 295/80R22.5 | 154/149 M (HL) | B / C, 70 dB |
| FUELMAX S GEN-2 | 315/80R22.5 | 156/150 (154/150) L (M) | B / B, 72 dB |
| FUELMAX S GEN-2 | 315/70R22.5 | 156/150 L (HL) | B / B, 70 dB |
| FUELMAX S GEN-2 | 385/65R22.5 | 160 (158) K (L) | B / B, 70 dB |
| FUELMAX D GEN-2 | 295/80R22.5 | 152/148 M | C / B, 73 dB |
| FUELMAX D GEN-2 | 315/80R22.5 | 156/150 (154/150) L (M) | B / C, 73 dB |
| FUELMAX S Performance | 315/70R22.5 | 156/150 L (HL) | B / B, 71 dB |
| FUELMAX D Performance | 385/55R22.5 | 160 (158) K (L) | A / C, 70 dB |
| FUELMAX T | 385/65R22.5 | 164 (158) K (L) HL | A / C, 69 dB |
| FUELMAX T | 385/55R22.5 | 160 (158) K (L) | A / C, 70 dB |
Two observations stand out. The FUELMAX T and the FUELMAX D Performance reach the highest rolling resistance grade (A) in the sizes shown, while the GEN-2 steer and drive tires sit at B or C, because they balance winter and wet requirements. And noise ranges from 69 to 73 dB, a narrow band that matters for urban operation.
Choosing between FUELMAX and KMAX
| If your route is… | Prefer | Because |
|---|---|---|
| Over 100,000 km a year on motorways, steady loads | FUELMAX | Fuel savings accumulate with every kilometer |
| Regional, many drops, changing loads | KMAX | Robust casing and wear life under variable load |
| Mixed surfaces and rough edges | KMAX D GEN-2 | Stone ejecting design and dual compound |
| Long-haul trailers, wide-base, weight-sensitive | FUELMAX T | Ultra-low rolling resistance, lighter casing |
| Winter regions with 3PMSF requirements | Either GEN-2 version | Both carry the snowflake marking |
A worked example. A tractor covering 120,000 km a year at 32 liters per 100 km uses 38,400 liters. A 1 percent fuel saving from lower rolling resistance saves 384 liters, which at a diesel price of 1.50 per liter is worth 576 a year per tractor. If the FUELMAX set costs 400 more than the KMAX set and lasts 10 percent fewer kilometers, the net outcome depends on tire life. Run the numbers with your own prices in the total cost of ownership model; the example shows why a 1 percent difference is material but not automatic.
Keep the savings: pressure and retreading
Fuel-efficient tires only deliver if they are inflated to the load. A tire running 20 percent low gives away more than the design advantage. Use the ladder in our Goodyear load and inflation table guide and the weekly routine described in our pressure check routine. On the casing side, Goodyear states that its tires are made as an ideal basis for regrooving and retreading, and the FUELMAX T text highlights improved retreadability. A well-kept casing can be retreaded with Goodyear TreadMax, as we cover later in this series, and gives a second life at lower cost; see hot retreading for truck fleets.
Other details worth noting
- RFID: several newer tires carry an embedded RFID tag compliant with ISO standards, which helps tire tracking and connectivity.
- FRT marking: indicates tires that should be fitted only to free-rolling axles, such as trailers.
- 3PMSF: GEN-2 tires are marked to meet strict winter regulations.
- High load versions: HL tires carry a higher index than standard; do not mix with standard versions on the same axle.
FAQ
Is FUELMAX always the better choice for fuel economy?
It is designed to be, but only for the right duty. On stop-start regional work, wear life and robustness may outweigh the fuel advantage.
Can I mix FUELMAX and KMAX on the same vehicle?
On different axles, yes, if load indexes allow. On the same axle, avoid mixing patterns; diameters and stiffness differ.
What does the letter grade on the label mean?
A is the best and G the worst for rolling resistance and wet grip. The noise figure is in decibels.
Key takeaways
FUELMAX targets fuel; KMAX targets mileage and robustness. Choose by route and load, check the label and load index, inflate to the load and protect the casing for retreading. Continue with the master pressure chart and the pressure management hub.
