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America needs a good small pickup.

We used to have them.

But over the years, the little honey-do runabouts have been replaced by full-size trucks that cost about the same, or even less, and provide a lot more capability. Smaller pickups got squeezed out by the Texan-shopping ideal that bigger must be better. But that’s just not true.

There’s room in the world for a little open bed truck that focuses on getting the job done. No frills, no V-8, just toss in those pool cleaning supplies and hit the road.

That idea has been around for a while now, but I wasn’t reminded of it until I hopped into a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. I like compact pickups — which are obviously not that little anymore.

The Tacoma, the No. 1 selling compact pickup five years running, reminded me how versatile and useful these trucks can be. They can carry a lot of stuff — up to 1,435 pounds — nearly matching the payload capabilities of a few full-size trucks. They can tow between 895 pounds and 6,500 pounds, depending upon their configuration.

But the mistake of the new Tacoma is the same mistake all other small pickups make — they’re too big and they’re too expensive. Small should equate to small in stature, small in price. Small can still be important. Ryan Seacrest is a pretty big big shot, but still can’t ride most roller coasters at Cedar Point.

Big, with steep price

My test vehicle was the Tacoma PreRunner Access Cab with the SR5 trim package, which falls in the middle of the five different Tacoma body styles. It still felt big and its $25,163 price tag felt steep.

The big four-cylinder 2.7-liter engine seemed to whine a little on the highway, but that might have been the four-speed automatic transmission, not the engine, which belts out 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. It’s 2011 and four-speed transmissions should be banned or at least those carmakers offering them should be publicly shamed.

Had this truck offered a better transmission, the Tacoma could likely best its 25 mpg highway and 19 mpg city mileage numbers.

For the most part, the Tacoma feels nicely loaded with the $2,155 SR5 Extra Value Package. Readers, however, can decide whether any of these items should be included as an option: Remote keyless entry, cruise control, variable speed wipers, a chrome grille surround, bucket seats, body colored bumper, metallic tone instrument panel trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and leather-wrapped shifter. Other features, such as dual sun visors with mirrors and extenders, tailgate handle with back-up camera and auto dimming mirror, are all part of this package.

And I liked the optional seven-speaker stereo system that includes two ceiling-mounted speakers and a subwoofer that juts out of the back of the cab. It sounds great and does everything you need, though, once again, it’s a $740 option — not necessarily a cheap option at nearly a 4 percent price hike.

Roomy, comfortable cabin

Options aside, the PreRunner Access Cab offers a nice set up. The front of the cabin is big and comfortable. The back, which opens up with the use of small suicide half doors, can hold two people for a short ride from HomeGoods to your house.

The truck also offers a fairly smooth ride. The rear leaf springs are not too jarring, even when the truck’s bed is empty. And it’s the bed that’s important. Too many people show up at Ikea with a station wagon and then can’t fit everything in it. And if they had a bigger truck, they might overbuy — something that should be avoided at Ikea. A small truck limits how much you can put back there; think of the money you’ll save by buying what you need instead of what you want.

While smooth, the ride is still truckish and loud. Driving around Detroit, you’ll quickly notice that we’re in the middle of pothole season, something you’ll feel even with the big 18-inch alloy wheels on this truck. The best part of the Tacoma is its riding position. It’s not as low as a car but it’s not as high as a full-size pickup. It’s the Goldilocks seating position — just right.

Running boards awkward

My biggest gripe with the truck was with the optional running boards. The black boards were mounted so high and stuck out slightly that getting in and out of the cab was awkward. No one likes that.

But there’s no doubting the Tacoma’s versatility. Because the bed is not as high as those of full-size trucks, it’s much easier to use. You don’t have to climb into the back. And along the side walls, there are a couple of inserted boxes that you can store ropes and bungee cords. And a pickup bed is a pickup bed is a pickup bed: A big open space that can hold stuff. The Tacoma can carry firewood, antique furniture, bicycles and lots of other things.

Unfortunately, the Tacoma still has a price that can start just over $16,000 and come close to $30,000. Still, this truck remains the most popular compact pickup.

That is until someone builds a compact pickup that starts around $13,000, uses a nice four-cylinder engine that gets close to 30 mpg and focuses on utility for the average man (and woman). It can still offer all of those great amenities consumers want and need, but cutting back on capability, drawing a distinct line between compact and full-size will mean consumers will have a choice.

America needs a good small pickup.

Until then, the Tacoma will have to do.

sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217