You might also want to look at the DRZ250, DirtBike gave it a great write as a trail bike and it has e-start.
The e-start is nice - but about the only thing the DR250 has going for it compared to the XR250. The XR has better suspension, a better engine, more hp and better brakes.
I rode a new DRZ 250 a few weeks ago - expecting to like it (I like the 400), it handled like a tank compared to the XR.
An option, if you like the electric start, is the TTR 250. Again, a heavy bike, but the suspension and the engine are as good or better than the XR.
But, there's a reason the XR250 outsells the DRZ and the TTR combined - it really is a great trail bike.