Help with vehicle choice

We have our second child coming and I am thinking of selling my 90
Mustang and 89 F-150 to get something I can drive and take the kids if
I want. (Know we go in my wife's 99 Malibu).

I drive about 50 miles a day during the week. I have been thinking of
a FOrd Escape or something used. I really would miss having a truck
that I can haul things around but I have a trailer I could pull.

Someone told me that there was not much difference in gas mileage
between the "small" SUv's such as the escape and the "large" ones like
the explorer or expedition. Is this true?

Whatever I get I would like to get 4 wheel drive, something decent on
gas, reliable and that I could either haul stuff in or pull a trailer
if needed. I will have to buy used and a cheap price is important.

ANything would probably get better than my truck in gas mileage. It
gets about 13 city or highway.

I actually hate to part with my mustang. I have had it for 12 years.
If I put it on cruise control I can average 20-21 mpg.

Thanks for your help!