You've got loads to haul, but after $3 gas, you're looking to downsize your hauler. That's why we've picked our three favorite not-so-big pickups.

We say not-so-big because nearly every automaker has replaced its old compact pickups with larger, more versatile models.

These mid-size trucks meet our growing expectations for comfort and convenience while offering ample room for people, cargo or both -- they're just not-so-big as a full-size pickup.

You'll find lots of different engines to choose from. Smaller ones offer better fuel economy. Larger ones more cargo-hauling and towing power. Four-wheel drive is always an option.

Prices start in the mid-teens, but load these trucks up with lots of extras and you'll pay $30,000 or more. All the versions we recommend are well-enough equipped to double as family cars, so they're in the mid-20s.

Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma is our top pick. It has a nicely finished cabin that is well crafted and outfitted with high-quality materials. Its ride and handling strike a good balance between comfort and rugged off-road capability.

There are lots of body styles, with various sizes of cabins and cargo beds, and a wide range of prices, to choose from.

A standard cab, with a single bench seat, manual transmission and four-cylinder engine costs around $14,825 and is the cheapest to buy and operate. It's closest in sprit and performance to a traditional compact truck.

But we think the extended cab (Toyota calls it an "access" cab) with a V6, automatic transmission and four-wheel drive is the best-rounded version for the majority of buyers, especially those in the North Country. Add the $950 stability control system and the sticker price reaches $24,605.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac

We liked the concept of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac -- part sport-utility vehicle, part pickup -- when it first came out in 2000. It seemed ideal for the person who wanted to carry motorcycles or kayaks and bring friends along. But we didn't like the execution, especially the teeth-jarring ride.

Fortunately, the 2007 models fix everything that was wrong with the original. Ford did an excellent job redesigning the Explorer last year, creating one of the best mid-size sport-utility vehicles on the road, and these will be first Sport Tracs to take advantage of those improvements.

The new models deliver a comfy ride thanks to a suspension system that has more in common with sports cars than traditional trucks. It also contributes to the Sport Trac's responsive handling and tight turning radius -- a big advantage in any grocery store parking lot.

Although there's only one body style, you can pick between a more powerful V8 and the more economical V6 engine. Both come with new fuel-saving, smooth-shifting automatic transmissions.

We'd recommend the mid-level, V6-powered XLT version with four-wheel drive and side curtain airbags ($560), which sells for $27,127.

Dodge Dakota

If you want awesome power and a macho image, Dakota's the ticket.

There are lots of body styles to choose from, all sporting that freightliner-inspired grille and hood. You'll also have three engines to pick from, a V6 and two V8s, which do a monster job of hauling cargo and towing. In fact, the Dakota's towing capacity matches that of many full-size trucks.

At the same time, the Dakota delivers reasonably nimble handling and an extremely civilized ride in a roomy cabin. We just wish Dodge wouldn't use so much cheap-looking plastic in there.

We'd recommend the SLT Club Cab (which has a back seat and small, not full-size, rear doors) with a V6, four-wheel drive and side curtain airbags ($495), which brings the price to $26,840.

By Michelle Krebs

Interest.com Contributing Editor

Have a question about cars or your finances? Ask us at editors@interest.com