I LOVE my PMC for what I do. Currently about 195k on it, and though I can't afford to bank a brand new one, I'm watching COPART for a low-mileage wreck so I've got a drivetrain in stock when this one has issues.
For a small utility vehicle, check out this Fiat Doblo ( the PMC in the rest of the world) from the UK:
I think something like that would be great in the US too.
The fuel economy of these are like 21mpg loaded city driving. I got over 28mpg hwy in a 1st gen Connect unloaded all hwy driving.
The Connect and ProMaster's have low rear decks. Easy lift over. And just build a 6' to 7' bed behind it.
And they could totally share the front sheet metal.