I have driven the Prius and it was fine for where I was-low speeds in Australia. When I bought my present SUV I researched all types of cars, trucks, SUV's. We were going from 2 cars to 1 and wanted something to haul dogs, groceries, people and miscellaneous stuff while getting reliable durability and life out of the vehicle.
We had a VW Toureg and an EOS - both had electric problems and both were leases. We returned them and ended up with a JEEP. She does not corner like the Toureg but she does get better gas mileage, she hasn't given us a bit of trouble, and I can haul whatever and know that I will get to where I need to go. She is based on the Mercedes M class technology.
I feel that different cars, like anything else are needed for different people. If we all liked the same thing we would have only one car company or one quilt style or one type of sewing machine. The difference make us who we are and allow for inspiration and choices.