It looks like the Kona is the only one with any SLX components (albeit only the front derailler). The others all come with lower end deore and alivio components. I personally have been fairly happy with the deore/alivio combination that came on my old hardtail but it could definitely be improved on. I am a fan of Fox shocks and the Specialized has a Fox rear (I have a 2011 Specalized Camber Pro that came with Fox).
Honestly, I would go to the bike shop and test ride and see what feels best. Choose that one as that is the major factor. Also have you considered buying used? Bikes depreciate rapidly, I found my Specialized on Craigslist and picked it up for less than half MSRP and it looked brand new.
Thanks for your opinions! I will definitely be test riding the bikes first but it will just be in the bike shops parking lot so I wont get a real good feel for the bike. I’m also looking at used but the selection in my area isn’t the best (near Toronto, Ontario).