Mazda dropped the performance power train they offered previously. The chassis is a stretched version of the original chassis from the first gen CX-5. So, literally, they have refreshed the same car twice for Gen 2 and Gen 3. There has not been an entirely clean sheet redesign of the car...
Essentially, updated tech with loss of physical controls, same power train - less the 2.5T option, and a slightly longer wheelbase with extra rear seat and cargo room. It's really more of an update than a new model.
The Kia stop-start system works fine. I don't like my motor turning off at stops. It makes me nervous, which isn't worth the tiny advantage in fuel economy it provides.
For 99.9% of the motoring community, it really doesn't make any difference what brand of oil is used as long as it meets Mazda specs. This is a lot to do about nothing IMHO.
18" will be a slightly better ride with a taller sidewall than the 19", but you will lose some handling ability in trade. Only you can decide what you are willing to give up.
Well, we have evidence of other manufacturers who have done it and backtracked- see the 26 Subaru Outback which now ditched the huge screen and added physical controls for the everyday things. There isn't a way to make a touchscreen which works like physical controls. You will have to look at...
Other than the big screen, I agree. The screen is a big miss IMHO. I seriously would not buy the car (and didn't wait for it because of the screen and the powertrain). I bought a Telluride a couple of weeks ago. Would have considered a CX-90 if I could have found a Turbo S to look at/drive.