The present study deals with the development of friction energy map for plasma sprayed Al 2 O 3-TiO 2 and Cr 2 O 3-TiO 2 coatings. Al 2 O 3-TiO 2 and Cr 2 O 3-TiO 2 coatings were deposited by atmospheric plasma spray technique. The structural and mechanical properties of coatings were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), x-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Vickers macro and micro hardness test. Sliding wear tests were performed on coated specimens over a range of sliding speed and load using pin on disc test apparatus. The analysis of worn surface and wear debris was carried by SEM, XRD and Raman Spectroscopy. Cr 2 O 3-TiO 2 coating showed higher hardness and elastic modulus and relatively lower fracture toughness than Al 2 O 3-TiO 2 coating. Al 2 O 3-TiO 2 coatings exhibited 1.8 times better wear resistance and 11%–30% lower friction coefficient, as compared to Cr 2 O 3-TiO 2 coating, depending upon the wear test conditions. The reduction in friction coefficient and wear rate at higher sliding speed was due to the formation of tribofilms on worn surface. A good correlation was observed between friction energy and contact severity; which incorporates mechanical properties of coatings. Friction energy map was used to rationalize wear rates of Al 2 O 3-TiO 2 and Cr 2 O 3-TiO 2 coatings, for the identification of various wear regimes and failure modes of the coating.