That's impressive gas mileage. I just completed an approximately 2K mile trip in my new to me 2021 Badlands and MPG was around 26-27, with a drop for in-town driving. Were you using eco, sport, or something else? I used eco most of the time.
The round transmission shifter is an issue for me too...I may reach over and turn the A/C up, the volume on the radio, or any other knob in the general area.