I ride 35s and 40s on my Crosstrail. To say they are too fat is ridiculous. Wide tires are very nice for the type of riding you plan.
I'd ask the dealer to swap those skinny tires for fatter ones, as part of the sale.
Ride em both again, and decide which one jumps out at you. Buy the one you like the best, and put the tires you want on it.