Minor correction:
Google earth shows the location and reports altitude. Google map shows the location but not the altitude. Topozone shows the terrain heigth from topographical maps.
Trip planning in a Prius is important regardless of which route or interstate might be used. But often, we have choices and can select the route and speed that most makes sense when trading off: good, fast, and cheap.
Bob Wilson
ps. Most newsreaders have filters that can help reduce the amount of 'noise' in a news group.