Let me start by saying I like all three, but if I had to pick one it’s defintely Feraligatr.
(For gen 2 starters it’s Totodile, mostly because it’s so jolly in the anime; and for middle stages it’s Quilava. - Sorry Chikorita evo line, you’re cool as well, even though you’re not no. 1 in this comparison in particular..)
I legitimately can’t choose. This is why I know earlier designs are peak because a choice like this is hard, meanwhile every generation after I can easily rank starter designs best to worst.
Honestly Typhlosion for nostalgia reasons. I remember when I was picking my starter for the first time I chose Cyndaquil. Mainly because my brother liked it and I wanted to “be cool.” Cyndaquil was pretty cute anyway. But, I remember thinking Totodile would have been my pick without any outside influence. My love for Feraligatr has only continued to grow over the years though and honestly I’d say they are pretty neck and neck for me nowadays.