Mitsubishi Built a Whole Fleet of Adventure Vans for a Dedicated Delica Party

Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 may still be a few days out, but that hasn’t stopped OEMs and aftermarket suppliers from stirring up excitement with a host of pre-show announcements.

As such, along with a rugged take on Toyota’s RAV4 Adventure, we’ve also already seen an AE86-inspired body kit for the 86 and an overlanding-ready overhaul of the Nissan Rogue Rock Creek. That’s not even mentioning the many reveals that Honda has planned.

Mitsubishi

Now, Mitsubishi has just added fuel to the fire by previewing a whole fleet of vans that it designed as part of a dedicated ‘Delica Festival’ exhibition.

A crop of compact concepts

All told, Mitsubishi will be displaying 11 different vehicles as part of its Delica showcase. Along with several custom variations of the D:5 and the Delica Mini, this means that the automaker will also be bringing some real-deal rally competitors.

Mitsubishi

In the case of the concepts, Mitsubishi has treated both versions of its diminutive van to a series of adventure-capable overhauls. As such, you’ll find they feature everything from body lifts and bumper guards to skid plates, pop-up roofs and exterior ladders. 

Whether based on the more robust Delica D:5 with its 4×4 drivetrain or the pint-sized Delica Mini kei car, Mitsubishi’s transformations demonstrate the versatility of each van’s platform, even when equipped for similar applications.

Mitsubishi

What’s more, they’re not strictly utilitarian efforts. Mitsubishi has given each of its Delica concepts a themed livery that’s equal parts fun and distinctive. Some, such as the Delimaru Festa vehicle, are exclusively visual in nature.

By contrast, others, like the Delica Mini x DALI, are designed to pay tribute to iconic Mitsubishis. With its front grille and lights, it makes visual reference to the brand’s Dakar-winning Pajero. 

Mitsubishi

Real-deal rally participants 

While many of the Mitsubishi display vehicles will be conceptual in nature, that’s not to say that all of the brand’s Auto Salon selects are visions of what could be.

Mitsubishi

In fact, Mitsubishi will also be bringing its 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally Triton pickup truck and corresponding Delica D:5 support car.

Both vehicles were driven as part of the brand’s AXCR Championship title-winning effort for 2025. Over the course of eight days and more than 1,400 miles, the upgraded truck managed to reclaim the title for the first time in eight years.

Mitsubishi

Though not lightened or enhanced with anywhere near the same kind of suspension and engine performance upgrades, the plucky D:5 managed to hang every step of the way. As such, Mitsubishi will be displaying the actual vehicle that navigated between start and finish points, service areas and rugged course‑side terrain.

Mitsubishi

Auto Salon exclusives

At this stage, Mitsubishi has made no indication that it will be offering these versions of its Delica D:5 and Delica Mini for public sale.

If you’d like to catch them in person, you’ll have to find a way to make it to the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 held from January 9 through January 11 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. You can also head to the dedicated website to learn more.

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