Not so long ago, Ford introduced the Transit Connect..... a little van based off the Focus. I've thought that a small pick-up based off the Focus could be a viable approach for folks wanting a pick-up with relatively low capacity.

Looking at the Escape, also built off the Focus, we can see that AWD is possible as well as not-so-bad load and towing capability.

The trick would be providing a pick-up box..... while retaining overall body stiffness off the unibody construction. Could it be done? Absolutely.

Rob