The ugliness was simply the result of the relative priority of aerodynamics and prettiness.
The Tesla model 3 has a lower drag confident than the original Prius while looking much more like a normal car. The hatchback is inherently a poor choice from an efficiency standpoint.
Oddly they are both beaten by the Audi A4 sedan and several others.
I've always thought of the Prius design as similar to Birkenstock shoes - not pretty but the most practical in terms of aerodynamics and arch support.
EV's need to focus more on aerodynamics to eke out range rather than look fast, which they are already are at low speeds across their torque band anyway.
The model 3 doesn't look like an ordinary car, it looks like an "I own the road" sports car.