Google Maps' Hidden Settings Cause Route Discrepancies

Google Maps has long been accused of having a 'mind of its own' when it comes to suggesting routes, but recent experience suggests that there's more to it than just chance. When one writer and their friend left their co-working space at the same time for the same destination, Google Maps suggested different routes to each of them - with nearly a 3-minute difference.

The writer notes that they reached their destination three minutes earlier, which led them to wonder why Google Maps wasn't giving everyone the same route. After digging into the settings, the writer found that several factors could explain the discrepancy, starting with 'Prefer fuel-efficient routes', which is turned on by default.

This feature prioritizes routes that use less fuel, even if they're not the fastest. The problem is that Google's definition of a 'similar' arrival time can be subjective, and what might seem like a minor delay to one person could feel significant to another. To check this setting, users can go to Settings > Navigation and toggle it based on their preference.

Another reason for the discrepancy lies in the route avoidance options, which are toggles that tell Google Maps to skip certain types of roads entirely. These settings can drastically change the shape of a user's route, forcing them onto longer backroads or city streets while someone without these settings stays on the direct, faster highway.

Finally, the writer notes that the algorithm also takes into account what kind of vehicle users drive and how they get around. The engine type setting ties directly into fuel-efficient routing, with different profiles changing how the app calculates the most efficient path. A gas car might be routed onto steady highway driving, while a hybrid could be pulled through city streets where regenerative braking makes stop-and-go traffic more efficient.