[slowmover]

The non-stop route is better.

Reduced wear on vehicle and components, not to mention the lower accident rate plus severity thereof in using a limited access roadway, offsets the fewer extra miles. Full warm up is more likely. Lower vehicle wear over time saves energy or money.

And time is crucial. Few will have to relinquish a vehicle due to total miles. Most will time-out in regards vehicle reliability.

The heavier the vehicle the more accurate this is. I don't average 100k on tires and brakes by making bad route decisions. Or that the clutch is original at over 200k miles. And besides u-joints, repairs have been limited to pocket change.

A few more miles at a lower rate of consumption with faster warmup and steadier temps plus minimized use of brakes concurrent with minimized acceleration events is a recipe for success.

To keep it simple, keep the average mph high as per engine hours. Give the vehicle what it wants versus forcing it to an unnatural existence. Minimize risks.