Probably the 172N with the 180hp conversion... it climbs really well and will true out somewhere between 110 and 125 depending on conditions and how aggressively you run it. A useful load over 1,000 lbs is great too, means you can actually fill four seats.
Other planes where Warrior, Arrow, Seminole, SR20, Archer II
Did my initial training and PPL on a Warrior, I liked it, I liked the low wing... but was just too slow and anemic to really use once licensed, so moved to the 172N and the performance felt far superior
I really liked the SR20 but hated the electric trim... and ones around here rent for about double the 172N... since you're not going twice as fast and I don't think it is "twice as comfortable" I can't really justify spending twice the money on it.
The Archer II is a great plane as well, in my experience it is just a little more stable and sure footed than the 172, but the one door thing and climbing over the wing means my passengers generally didn't like it. If it had two doors and maybe 2 inches more width in the cabin that would be the plane for me. As a side I feel like in hot climates the wing on top also helps keep the cabin just a tad cooler, and for sightseeing you can't beat having the wing on top
Arrow I wasn't a fan of. It felt "heavy" and was surprised at how slow it was despite being an RG. It was a club beater though, so...
The time in the Seminole was cool, made me really want me want to get multi-engine rated. I know we've chatted a lot about single vs multi, retract vs not, and BRS... but if I had $300K-$500K I'd be looking at some multi's. Just something cool about having two engines on wings turning.. and I feel like if you really want a proper cross country machine you can't beat a 414 or 421, or 340