After showrooms reopened, the automotive industry continues to roll out launches planned even before the war. Dolek Motors, the importer of Mazda, announced the start of marketing for the fourth-generation CX-5, the popular crossover that first arrived in Israel in 2012 and was the first leisure vehicle from the Hiroshima-based manufacturer, Japan.
The 2026 CX-5 has grown significantly compared to its predecessor, with a length of 4.69 meters (an increase of 11.5 cm), a width of 1.86 meters (+1.5), a height of 1.695 meters (+3.5), and a wheelbase of 2.815 meters (+11.5). The trunk has a volume of 583 liters, an increase of 61 liters over the outgoing generation. Weight: 1,750 kg.
The design is an evolution of the previous generation, making it easy to recognize it as a CX-5, which also sets it apart from many other crossovers. Inside, the larger dimensions are expected to translate into improved cabin space, alongside better material quality. Mazda has also joined the trend of screen-based controls, though there is still a row of fixed touch buttons at the bottom for essential functions such as climate control and the audio system.
The lineup includes three trim levels:
Comfort (from NIS 190,000) comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear LED headlights, a 12.9-inch central multimedia screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a Bose audio system with 8 speakers, and dual-zone climate control with rear vents. It also features mixed leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
Executive (from NIS 205,000) upgrades to 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate opening, roof rails, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system with 12 speakers.
Pure Black (from NIS 220,000) includes a glossy black design package for the wheels, wheel arches, door sills, and bumpers, along with a unique front and rear light signature. It also features black/beige leather upholstery, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and a driver recognition camera that adjusts vehicle settings, including seating position.
Engine and Performance: Israel will continue to receive the American version, meaning the engine is the same power unit as the outgoing model: A 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine with 187 hp and 25.2 kg·m of torque, all-wheel drive, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is accordingly 11.1 km/l according to the manufacturer.
In Europe, a mild-hybrid version is already marketed, and additional versions, including turbo gasoline and full hybrid, are expected in the U.S. later. Mazda promises that the new model preserves the driving enjoyment qualities of its predecessors, which are becoming increasingly rare in the market, but we will have to check this when driving the new vehicle.
Safety: The CX-5 received 5 out of 5 stars in the 2025 European crash test. Features include 10 airbags, autonomous emergency braking for forward and rearward driving, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and side collision prevention, automatic high beam, and alert for opening a door into an occupied lane. The Pure Black adds emergency braking for cross traffic at intersections.
The first vehicles will arrive in showrooms only in May. The CX-5 has a large user base in Israel - 1 in every 100 units produced to date has been purchased locally thanks to its reputation for resale value and reliability - and the all-wheel drive adds a bonus of basic off-road capability. However, as the market increasingly shifts toward hybrid and plug-in models, selling a 100% gasoline model in 2026 will be a rather challenging task.