Funny man I too have a Mazda 3 and I agree the back seat sucks. I have a 3 and a 9 year old too. So I bought a 10 year old S class Mercedes with back seats that recline of all things, it is wonderful for the kids. The little one facing forward can barely kick my seat back I'm sure you know what I mean. I know not a pickup but something to think about, cars like that are dirt cheap and with a turbo v12 mine sure hauls ass.

On the pickup though I'd definitely go for the one with the longer more useful bed.