The space thing is why I've always punted and bought full sized vans. Downside very limited availability of AWD or 4X4 vans in the US. Yes you can pay through the nose for an after market one.

I went the full size truck route because of the offroad capabilities and the ability to transport things in the bed (with shell) that you wouldn’t necessarily want in the cabin: second battery, porta potty, propane tank, jerry cans, fridge, ...