Seeking guitar buying advice

I've been learning on a very inexpensive guitar, and I am ready to make a significant investment in a better one. I would like a small(ish) but not miniature sized acoustic. I am really attracted to Taylors for their player-centric design, but I am also weighing a Martin option. My priorities are (in order) playability, versatility (for both fingerpicking and strumming), and aesthetics. Here are the ones I am considering. I would love your advice! 

Taylor Academy 12e LTD

Taylor 812ce

Taylor 812ce 12-Fret

Martin SC-E13 Special

Congratulations on your progress. 

I can't comment on any of these because I have no experience. They are well respected makes/models is all I can say. 

Is there an opportunity in your area to try before you buy? I have several guitars and each has it's own feel. Some being more comfortable than others to play. 

I have ordered guitars in the past, my Goldtop being the last one. I actually don't enjoy playing it. Glad to have it because it's an icon and beautiful, but it rarely leaves the case. So I prefer to play them before I buy them. The one that feels the best comes home. 

Good luck shopping 

The Martin SC-E13 Special is a very interesting guitar, but I don't think it quite fits your description.
Snow Rider 3D

I’m not sure about specific models you mentioned but you can’t go wrong with Taylor guitars. The playability is unmatched and I personally like the articulate, balanced sound. I have been wrestling between a Martin D28 or HD35 or a Taylor 814ce and have decided on the Taylor because of the playability.

I am returning to playing guitar after a 20 year hiatus. I have owned Martin, Taylor’s and Huss and Dalton but the one I miss is a Taylor 614ce. 

enjoy whatever you get.

The 812ce 12-Fret would be really tempting for me. I love the feel of a 12-fret design, especially for fingerpicking, and the smaller body should still be comfortable for strumming. The Martin SC-E13 is probably the one I’d test if you want something that feels noticeably different from the Taylors. Honestly, I think this is one of those cases where your hands and playing style should make the final decision. What kind of music do you usually play?

Drift Boss