We just bought the Prius v
We just bought the Prius v last night and I love it! It does have a lot of get up and go - especially in Power mode, but Evo is great as well. I traded in my Prius 4 after having it for a year and the new 'v' has a lot more head room as well as other great features. It is more roomy all over like the Highlander I had. As for looks, it isn't any worse than many other models from other manufacturer's and I happen to really like the style of it. I think it is a lot more sporty looking that a station wagon - ugh - or a mini van. They do stand out in a lot so I agree with Barb on that one.
I think anyone would be happy with these. We certainly are as well as our kids who have them!