They are uncomfortable for touring due to their straight handlebars, the wide range of gears are not needed for commuting and they are no better than a touring bike offroad. With better handlebars, they are good for use with a childseat, where the powerfull brakes and low gears come in handy.
Some of the old steel hybrids can be fitted with drop bars and will make good touring bikes. Here's one we made in 2009, and another one here with multibars.
Interesting fact: Raleigh invented the hybrid with their Pioneer (or even the Merlin) but didn't call it that.