CRV at X-Trail medyo pasok sa panlasa ko simply because i have people i know who actually owns one and liking such vehicles. Explorer at Escape i dont have much impression besides Escape, according to what others say, is a bit of a gas-guzzler.
my advice is don't restrict yourself into a couple of vehicle models but rather on a single vehicle platform - say corssovers, and research on the various vehicles in that class. weigh both the pros and cons of each vehicle. after you have done your research online, it is time to personally look around on what sellers have to offer. don't rush yourself into buying, look around till you get to see several offerings then you decide on which one is for you.