What about a hatchback? Good cargo capacity (with the right car, of course. Some have horrible interior make-ups that make the interior organization really impractical.), plus passenger comfort, good gas mileage, and way easier to park than a massive SUV.
I work in arts management, and having a hatchback has been great for transporting art and installation supplies all over hill and dale.
Might I suggest a Honda Fit? I love the 2010 and newer body style, but the older models are good too. The Fit Sport is worth it for the better wheels and the nicer finishes. Plus I think they're doing 0.9% financing at the moment.
Witness: moving from Oklahoma to Pittsburgh in a Honda Fit. Got 40MPGs too!
Or, if you really wanted an SUV, why not find a used or end-of-model Element? The seat configurations in that thing are CRAZY. Unfortunately they killed the car, so it may be a chore to find one, but for hauling lots of stuff, can't go wrong. It's the #1 choice for triathletes.