Mitsubishi Built a Whole Fleet of Adventure Vans for a Dedicated Delica Party
The automaker will be showing off quite the ensemble of kei cars, along with some seasoned rally presences.
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's Delica 'Delimaru Festa' features a giant Delimaru mascot riding atop the roof. - Credit: 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.
Ultimate Gear, Active Camper and Adventure Style concepts bring different equipment to Mitsubishi's Delica D:5 4×4. - Credit: 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 also built corresponding concepts based on the Delica Mini. - Credit: 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.
The Delica Mini x "DALI" pays tribute to the Pajero with its grille, lights and retro decals. - Credit: 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.
The AXCR-winning Triton pickup will be joining the Delica ensemble at the booth. - Credit: 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 used Delica D:5s as support vehicles, and they traversed the same rugged terrain.. - Credit: 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.
Eight days and 1,400-plus miles makes for quite the test of a vehicle's endurance and off-road prowess — Mitsubishi has cause to be proud. - Credit: 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.
About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.
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