MHO, The Escape 2 is a better bike than the 3. Cassettte instead of freewheel, 8 spd instead of 7, better crank, and better gearing. You can probably upgrade to it for less than the 100 they advertise. If you can find 2014 or 2015 models in your size, you can likely get a decent discount, as new models are hitting the showroom floors.

Giant makes good bikes, appointed nicely in any price range.