You can lock your stroller and/or lawn chairs in the cargo area. 

https://youtube.com/shorts/smMrxWFEg10?is=k5RmrN0OjmSRz3ZL

A bed being cheaper would certainly incentivize Ford replacing their entry level SUVs with entry level utes. I’m just not sure. The main differences between the Mav XL and the Escape Active is that the former has steelies and the 2.0L Ecoboost, while the latter has aluminum wheels and the 1.5L Ecoboost.   Only one thing is clear: Holy shit why would anyone buy the Escape over the Maverick   

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaXzLThEhi1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Could it be possible that its just cheaper to build a pickup bed vs cargo area in the Escape (less materials) and I also think the Maverick has an advantage with being less complex to build due it less features/options, but I haven't dug into that too much. 

I know that 2020 fixing the issues is common knowledge on this forum, but it sort of still doesn’t feel to totally square with the Maverick being AFAIK a higher margin vehicle. If the Maverick is both like $2k cheaper than the Escape AND a higher margin vehicle then the difference is greater than can just be explained by lower labor costs in Mexico. They sold similar amounts of non-fleet before this year. 

It all depends on the use cases-any vehicle is going to have shitty MPG towing anything-its about compromises. The EREV gives better overall use for customers that are commuting to work and need to tow something heavy more then 50 miles or so vs using an BEV

Since these were done by aftermarket converters, are they really any different than the Centurion conversions that were done in the US?   https://www.drivingline.com/articles/ford-centurion-conversions-gave-us-the-f-150-based-4-door-bronco-suv-the-factory-never-did/   I came real close to buying one of these back then, but then the Expedition became a reality.   HRG

One thought would be direct competition for Econoline Club Wagons and Chateau's ..... I don't believe the Econolines were sold in South America, especially as people movers. That would then open the SA market up to Ford B-Series....and also be a reason why they were never offered here. 

And this is part of the issue, Ford making this plan B side bet as a way of cutting every cost be that battery size, construction process and wiring electrical components. Whatever the most aero efficient design looked like is what they are building with hope that customers choose optimised efficiency over pure styling….   The upside to me is that it’s  worlds apart from that two door $25k POS, that thing sounds great until you realise it’s all about $$ for customising.