When you have to get every bit of aerodynamic drag wrestled out of the vehicle, that only leaves so many shapes, basically one.
“Why did auto manufacturers decide every car had to look alike ... or at least like 1st cousins?”
I wonder this myself at times. I think the hybrid technology is great, but some of the cars look like turds. I have a Ford Escape Hybrid and LOVE it. I have at times reached an average of 41 mpg average in the city and mid 30’s on the highway. Plus it looks like a real vehicle.
My guess is that when forced to design something that’s aerodynamically styled and almost weightless to get more mpg - you always end up with a flying potato.