We were just looking at those and ruled out the crosstrek because it was too small for our dogs (two 90 pounders). I think the A3 would be too small as well. The Escape wasn't flashy, but it did meet all our other needs - we had similar ambivalence as you seem to about the looks. The Tiguan seemed a little small as well, but would probably be my top choice of the ones you listed.

We ended up with a Jetta sportwagon TDI which we LOVE (28k). The diesel gets great MPG (40), but it isn't AWD, which is the one bummer about it.

I'm actually intrigued by the brand new BMW X1 which comes in AWD and the smaller engine gets great MPG. We looked at it for fun, and the rear is definitely large enough for dogs. It's more $ than the ones you listed, but not as much as I would have thought - I think you can do it for low 40k.