Cranksets can be changed, the dealer might even have a suitable new/takeoff crankset he'd be willing to swap in for free/cheap. It does seem logical to me that in order to minimize knee flex you'd want a smaller crankset.

The two bikes look very similar; same MSRP, so no distinction there. Verve has an adjustable stem and a sprung seatpost, so it seems it is more comfort oriented, and may be more likely to be better for you? (Although neither of those things would affect your knees).