As far as engines go on pick-up, why not go the turbo-diesel way ? I NEVER understood why the US regulators are so anti-Diesel.
It's not uncommon to achieve 40 MPG (US) on EU-sold diesel trucks. As for smaller , sedan-derived pick-up, such as the 1.5 Diesel , 90 HP, Nissan NP200 (aka Dacia Logan Pickup), it can get 50+ MPG on the highway. And it has a decent 6 x 4.25 ft. bed. It's CO2 emissions are quite low as well.
