I always buy my cars according to what fits my needs the best. Sounds like the Matrix fits your needs the best, plus it has a known maintenance history. And, re the Prius, I am a little concerned about the effect of dog pee and dog vomit corroding the battery area then getting into the batteries

. No, I haven't heard of any studies, but I have had new dogs and old dogs, and sooner or later they all leak from somewheres.
Besides, wait a couple months for gas prices to keep rising, then sell the Prius and make more money.