Mitsubishi has turned heads at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 by diving deep into the world of off-road fun with its Delica lineup. The company set up a booth that feels more like a lively outdoor gathering than a typical car display, complete with colorful lanterns and a festive atmosphere. They're calling it the Delica Festival, with a tagline that encourages folks to unleash their playful side. At the center of it all is a mascot named Delimaru, a fuzzy character that's become the face of their smallest model, wandering around and adding a touch of whimsy to the rugged vehicles on show.
This event showcases 11 different vehicles, blending serious off-road capability with a sense of adventure that's hard to ignore. For guys who love hitting the trails on weekends or dreaming about cross-country trips, it's a reminder that vans and wagons can be both tough and enjoyable. Mitsubishi isn't just showing off concepts; they're highlighting real-world grit by including their championship-winning rally truck from the Asia Cross Country Rally 2025, proving these machines can handle the rough stuff.
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One standout is the Delica Mini Delimaru Festa, which takes cuteness to a new level while staying true to the brand's roots. This little wagon sports decals and wraps inspired by the mascot, and they've even mounted a huge Delimaru figure on the roof, decked out in a traditional Japanese happi coat. It's the kind of vehicle that looks ready for a light-hearted camping trip, where you pack up the gear, grab some buddies, and head out for a weekend of fishing or exploring backroads. Despite its small size, it captures that Delica spirit of being versatile and fun, making it appealing for anyone who wants something compact but spirited.
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Then there's the Delica D:5 Ultimate Gear, a van that's built for more serious adventures. Mitsubishi lifted it by 30 millimeters and added protective bumper guards and side steps to make it trail-ready. The exterior features a tough textured coating that's not just for show—it helps cover up scratches and dings from real off-road use, so you don't have to worry about every little bump. This model looks like it could tackle a dirt road, vanish into the wilderness for a few days, and return with stories to tell. It's the type of rig that would fit right in with American overlanders who value durability and the ability to go places where regular vehicles fear to tread.
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Not to be outdone, the Delica Mini Ultimate Gear brings that same toughness to a smaller package. It comes with a two-tone paint job and the rugged textured coating, along with extras like a roof rack for carrying gear, a grille guard for protection, a rear ladder for easy access, and a 20-millimeter suspension lift to handle uneven terrain. Imagine a tiny kei car that's eager to join an overland expedition—it's got the charm to make you smile while proving it can keep up on lighter trails. For men who remember tinkering with trucks in their younger days, this one evokes that sense of building something capable without going overboard.
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Mitsubishi teamed up with the outdoor brand LOGOS for a couple of camper builds that emphasize comfort alongside capability. The Delica D:5 Active Camper features warm white birch wood finishes inside and a soothing brown color scheme, creating a cozy space that's perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails. It keeps its four-wheel-drive system intact, so it's not sacrificing performance for luxury. This van suits guys who enjoy the outdoors but appreciate a nice setup for brewing coffee or relaxing with a book at camp. It's premium in feel but still grounded in that practical, go-anywhere attitude.
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Shrinking that concept down, the Delica Mini Active Camper adds a pop-up roof for extra headroom, a skid bar for underbody protection, mud flaps to fend off debris, and a 25-millimeter lift for better ground clearance. It's ideal for spontaneous getaways, whether you're loading it up with a dog, some fishing rods, or just the essentials for a solo escape. The compact size makes it easy to maneuver, but those additions give it a real adventurous edge, like a trusty companion for quick trips off the beaten path.
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For those who appreciate a nod to the past, the Delica Mini x “DALI” collaboration with DAMD brings retro vibes inspired by the classic Pajero. It incorporates old-school grille designs and lighting elements while maintaining the modern Delica shape. This blend of nostalgia and ruggedness makes it stand out—it's got a quirky appeal that's rugged enough for light off-roading but cute in a way that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's the sort of vehicle that might remind older enthusiasts of their first four-wheel-drive experiences, updated for today's roads.
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The Wild Adventure variants amp up the excitement for both the Delica D:5 and the Delica Mini. These come loaded with factory accessories like roof carriers for extra storage, oversized mud flaps secured with rally-style straps, stainless steel plates for underbody shielding, and camouflage accents that give them a stealthy look. They're designed to look and perform like they're ready for serious exploration, and if they ever made it to the U.S., they'd likely fly off the lots for guys building their dream overland setups.
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Celebrating the 55th anniversary of TOMICA toy cars, Mitsubishi created a special Delica Mini that's a tribute to rally racing. It features bold magma-red graphics, logos styled like sponsors, and a rally plate with the anniversary emblem. The whole thing resembles a life-sized version of a die-cast model that's broken free and hit the gravel. It's playful yet evokes the thrill of competition, making it something you'd want to park in the garage or even keep a smaller version on the shelf as a memento.
To ground all this fun in reality, Mitsubishi displayed the Triton rally truck that won the overall title at the AXCR 2025. This beast conquered eight days of grueling competition over about 2,300 kilometers of tough terrain, marking the brand's first win in three years. It's been made lighter and stronger, with tuning specifically for enduring harsh conditions that would break lesser vehicles. Right next to it was the Delica D:5 that served as a support vehicle during the rally, driven by legend Hiroshi Masuoka to shuttle between stages and handle service duties. These real-world examples show that the Delica family isn't just about appearances—it's backed by proven performance in extreme situations.
For American fans of off-roading, who have long admired the Delica's cult following, this Tokyo showcase sends a strong signal. Mitsubishi is mixing utility with personality in ways that stand out from the crowd, showing that tough vehicles can also bring a bit of joy to the drive. It's about coexisting rugged capability with a lighter side, something that resonates with men who've spent years chasing adventures on dirt roads or forest trails. If Mitsubishi brings this energy stateside, it could shake up the market for vans and wagons that are built for more than just daily commutes.
