Wider tires have been tested to have lower rolling resistance than skinnier versions of the same tire. It's related to rolling over the rough surface of a road. If the roads were glass smooth, like indoor tracks are, then the tires would likely be quite similar.
Lower rolling resistance at the same pressure. Equivalent rolling resistance at much lower pressures than the narrow tire. So wider is more comfortable on rough roads, but not slower.
However, it does depend on the tire construction. Thin, flexibile tread, like the smaller road bike tires, can efficiently flex over bumps. Extra thick, stiff tires that are extremely puncture resistant are a lot slower. And knobs can be very slow as they squirm when contacting the road.
Hybrids would tend toward the stiffer, puncture resistant end of the range. Those tires would be cheaper, have longer mileage, and fewer punctures. Good for casual riders.
Last edited by rm -rf; 01-24-21 at 02:46 PM.