The first automaker to bring a compact to midsize SUV/Pickup platform to the US market with a decent turbo diesel at the $~25k price point will clean up on sales.
Ford offers the Ranger most everywhere else in the world with 2.5 & 3L Diesels and a 5sp automatic. Drop the 2.5 in the Escape and you have an great soft roader.
http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/ContentS ... &c=DFYPage
6400lb Towing capacity!!
I suspect if they offered this in the US it could cannibalize sales of their larger gas & diesel pickups though.
Heck Chrysler could have put the 2.8 VM in the Dakota. I wonder what made them choose the KJ?