The consolidation loan rate was the weighted average of the loans consolidated, so it didn't offer any benefit beyond making the rate fixed. I think the rate ended up being ~5.5%.

Consolidation loans also offer a longer repayment timeframe I believe. In this way if you make the payment amount small but pay double, the extra will be entirely on the loan principal.

Back when I consolidated SoFi (and probably others) didn't exist. It might be worth comparing rates and terms with them as well.