Pickup trucks are considered commercial vehicles in some states such as New York and are not allowed on parkways without a cover over the bed. In fact, without a cover, the tailgate acts like a big air brake on the highway which sabotages gas mileage. This is why owners often replace the tailgate with a net. Although all cars must meet federal standards for crash worthiness, large cars are usually safer than small cars in a crash, sometimes much safer. If a large car collides with a small car there is often no contest.
Large cars offer comfort and roominess while smaller cars tend to be easier to park and more nimble.
Check the manufacturer's fuel mileage ratings. With normal brakes, if you slam your foot down on the brake pedal, the wheels will lock causing you to skid. When the wheels are skidding, you have absolutely no steering control and the car will take longer to stop than it should. This allows you to retain steering control while the vehicle stops in the shortest possible time. This is especially important on slippery road surfaces where standing on the brakes can cause loss of control and spinout.