Bar ends are enough of a solution for me for being able to change up hand positions on my hybrid on a long ride. They aren't an equivalent to drop bars, but neither are they meant to be.

On the road and in standard trim, I suspect my hybrid does as well or better than most CX bikes I have checked out simply because the latter come equipped with the kind of tires necessary to deal with the kind of slop one encounters in that sport. That is to say, fat and knobby. I suspect those don't roll particularly well on pavement.

I don't need to ride through mud and sand. I do frequently ride on gravel paths and groomed woodland trails. The Hybrid handles those with ease.