We have both. The 4runner serves is purpose but the 4.6 6 speed tranny and amities in the GX are far superior to the 4Runner. Don’t get me wrong the 4runner is an amazing machine. Just know if you plan on lifting adding 285s and a bit of weight on the 4runner a regear is almost necessary. IMO its a v6, don’t plan on racing anywhere. I love my 4runner, its not going anywhere anytime soon.

Fuel economy is essentially the same for us. 16 on 4runner 18 on gx with premium gas.

My only gripe on the gx is there is no switch to lock the hvac controls to one zone. The moment my kids touch the switch in the back the one zone I set up front splits into 3. Ugggg!!! The heated and cooled seats are a game changer as well. Only heated seats in my 16 trail premium 4runner.

If I were in your shoes I’d go GX and a tav spec stage 1 build from tavllc.com as well as a cbi low pro bumper of course. Add crawl control for $250ish (plug & play) and wow what a build!