I'll offer another perspective on Hybrids.

Many, my Specialized Crosstrail included, lean toward the road. Which you would really want if going the Hybrid route. Some lean more toward the mountain variety.

Also, some, like my Crosstrail, also have lock out suspensions, so that you can choose which way you want to ride. Locked out for hills and such, or, active for really rough pavement. Very easy to use, even when riding. One little flick is all it takes.

Many Hybrids really are a very nice "Do It All" bike. Handy for errands like grocery getting, rides with the family, fitness, and many prefer the upright riding position for commuting, because of the increased visibility (both for seeing, and being seen.) many attachment points for things like racks and fenders, and usually wider tires for nicer riding on rough surfaces. (32mm up to 45mm tires are usually stock, but you can mount smaller). Not all of them have super wide rims. My Crosstrail, even sporting 45mm wide tires as OEM, are only 18mm wide internally, making them suitable for even 28mm wide tires. I currently have a 40mm wide on the rear, and a 35mm wide on the front, after a lot of experimenting. V-Brakes are very good at stopping you, and adding Kwik Stop Salmon colored pads will improve the stopping power even more. Most of these type are capable of carrying larger loads, as most are pretty heavy duty. I carry lots when I go after groceries. It's not uncommon for me to have 4-5 large grocery bags full. Not all Hybrid seats are "squishy." The Body Geometry seat on my Crosstrail is really quite comfortable, and even comes without a sprung seatpost (avoid these seatposts like the plague, as they are energy hogs.) My Brooks B-17 seat, makes it even more comfortable.

The only thing Hybrids don't do --- is race well! I came off a steel road bike for the more comfortable riding position, and carrying ability.

So, ride lots of bikes, and even lots of different sizes, to see what you really like. Don't rule any out, until you have tried them.

Good luck in your quest.