Same. I prefer practical and functional (hence my 23 Escape and 26 Ranger). I’m sure I qualify for the boring category.

I theorized that awhile ago. That there might be some sort of aero extension running off the back of the cab for aero that's recessed on the inside for more space. I also hope it's optional to completely remove said piece for both more practicality and traditional truck looks, that would make it the best of both worlds.   The bed looks to be comparable in size to a maverick, but maybe it's slightly longer. Looking at this image of the naked platform. You see those two triangular structural elements, at the best least the back of the cab has to be in front of those. I personally believe the bed is the length of the elevated surface in this image, and the floor for the cab is the portion where it drops down significantly and is completely flat. I marked with a red line where I believe the rear of the cab is.    If accurate, the bed would extend ahead of the rear wheels more than a maverick bed, and maybe would be 5 ft instead of the 4.5 ft maverick bed. 

I get it exactly - you and Sherminator want Fords that are "not boring" so they can charge more $$ for them. While I contend that Ford can make a profit on lower end models that bore the hell out of you but still sells. Why can Ford make a reasonable profit on Bronco Sport and Maverick yet not on Escape? All three are C2 based and are aimed at similar customers and it boils down to choice. Are you going to contend that Corsair was not making enough profit too? I believe Escape and Corsair should have moved and continued production as they were making a reasonable profit for Ford....now, the yawning gap in the Ford lineup is horrendous as you go from BS/Maverick to Explorer....and the step in to Lincoln just widened with the loss of Corsair. 

If the patent drawings are any indication, it looks like an aero sport back cover will be an option or aftermarket thing to increase range 

The BS is virtually the same size as the pre 2013 Escape   Coming from an 2017 Escape to a Bronco Sport AND Driving the post 2020 Escape, the Interior Space for the first two passengers are IDENTICAL, with the Bronco Sport having some advantages like better placement of the start button on the dash IMO.    The difference in rear seat interior room is negligible-I'm tall at 6'2 and I didn't feel uncomfortable in the back seat like say I did going from a 02 Explorer to 2000 Jeep Cherokee   I guess the real test comes in the next 90 days or less with the Escape being gone from the dealership lots and the Bronco Sport being the only choice for now, going forward. 

But only for those willing to go EV which is still a very small percentage of buyers.

But you need to kill the old to free up resources for the new one in most cases.

And a great choice for former Ford Escape and Ford Edge customers who want car-based models that aren't boring. My wife can vouch for this. 😊

I'd assume they could still have a pass-through window like on Maverick/F-series too, if they wanted

Sure......now apply it to Escape (and Edge).     I think BS is too small for many buyers.  And Ford currently goes from Bronco Sport ---------------> Explorer with nothing in between.  I know people will say Bronco, but it doesn't appeal to many buyers that want car-based models, and Mach E is an EV...     Nowhere did I say NOT to address the cost issue........my point was to address it and come out with a compelling product that works, instead of abandoning the segment.