Unless you absolutely need the interior space afforded by an Explorer sized SUV, I'm alway going to lean toward a car-based mini-SUV or a true wagon.
So the Forester 2.5XT would be my pick of the choices listed.

I'd also look at the '04 Mitsu Outlander XLS AWD.

I had one as a loaner car while the Teg was in the shop last Feb. Impressive suspension tuning and a very obedient manumatic transmission. New Outlanders have the option of a true 5-speed manual. It needs another 75 hp IMO, but so does the Element. h: