Based on your usage needs, I think you should also consider the Giant AnyRoad which will be new in North America for the 2014 model year. Might be available this September.

The #1 factor here is test riding and seeing how you personally feel on them. I have test driven "crosstrail" type bikes from all of the brands you mentioned and I thought the Giant felt the best, Specialized really good, Cannondale OK and Trek was bland. But the next person could easily come up with completely different ratings as it is YOUR body that must determine how they feel for you.