I think that's probably the right sentiment.
I'm the kind of guy who's wanted to get in a small SUV/CUV or something for a few years, it's always nice to drive something bigger for sure... But I'm turned off by the crappy fuel mileage they get. I'm picky, 35 mpg is the absolute minimum I'd tolerate day-to-day lol..
Maybe they want old Escape buyers to move up to the new Explorer, and Focus/Fusion drivers to move up to the upcoming Escape. I'm sure there's some master plan somewhere.