Mitsubishi Monitor

2026.02.19

Bolder Styling and Enhanced Off-Road Capability
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Debuts the New Delica D:5

The long-selling Delica D:5 has undergone its first major update in six years. Discover the new advancements that further evolve this one-of-a-kind, all-around minivan that embodies “Mitsubishi Motors-ness”— the uniqueness of Mitsubishi Motors.

In January 2026, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “Mitsubishi Motors”) launched sales of the new Delica D:5. The customer-favorite, all-around minivan has received major upgrades that further enhance its bold styling and off-road capability. Equipped with an electronically-controlled 4WD system, the new Delica D:5 delivers powerful yet smooth performance and exceptional capability on rough terrain. It is truly a one-of-a-kind, all-around minivan that embodies “Mitsubishi Motors-ness.”

The name “Delica” is derived from “delivery car,” as it was designed to carry passengers and cargo to their destinations over diverse road conditions without fail. Since the first model debuted in 1968, the Delica has been favored for more than half a century, selling more than 1.38 million units cumulatively as a long-selling model.

The Delica D:5, the fifth generation of the Delica, was developed to combine the convenience of a minivan with the power of an SUV, and it offers both superb comfort and ample loading capacity. It was launched in January 2007 as a unique, SUV-inspired minivan with the mobility and reliability to be taken anywhere—both on-road and off-road. Its major update in February 2019 introduced Mitsubishi Motors’ Dynamic Shield front design concept and improved interior functionality and quality.

Kosuke Fujii, Chief Product Specialist (Domestic Vehicle) at the Product Strategy Division of Mitsubishi Motors, explains:

“The Delica is the icon of our domestic brand and the best-selling model among our registered vehicles, especially popular with families. With its long history, it holds a very important position in the Japanese market. The newly updated Delica D:5 once again responds to evolving customer needs with a tough, reliable, and enhanced package.”

High Driving Performance with Enhanced Off-Road Capability and Handling Stability on All Types of Terrain

Now, let’s take a close look at the newly improved features. The first one can be found on the exterior, conveying enhanced power and high off-road capability. The front grille and the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned to create a bold look that is simple yet three-dimensional. On the rear gate, the Delica logo is embedded in the garnish, adding a clean, premium feel. At the body side, wheel arch molding has been added to convey the impression of a wide, stable stance and high off-road capability. In addition, the newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels emphasize power and reinforce the rugged, gear-inspired look.

Nine colors are available for the body: five two-tone and four monotone colors. A two-tone shade combining Moonstone Gray Metallic and Black Mica is a new addition to the Delica D:5. Moonstone Gray Metallic features a popular solid gray base that reveals subtle blue highlights depending on the angle of incoming light.

Another update is found in the interior. Not only does it look advanced, but also more gear-inspired and premium. An eight-inch liquid crystal color display meter allows higher visibility, and the instrument panel is accented with metal parts, providing both progressiveness and an enhanced premium, gear-inspired feel. Additional features include the dark gray color of the center panel that helps prevent scratches from being noticeable, and water-repellent, combination-material seats made of faux suede fabric and synthetic leather, which have been popular in the Delica D:5 Chamonix. Consistent with the rest of the interior, the seat stitching is in a khaki color, bringing a functional and harmonious finish. Furthermore, convenience has been enhanced, as two USB Type-C ports were added to the center console and to the bottom part of the floor console.

The third feature is improved driving performance, boosting both off-road capability and handling stability across all types of terrain. Mitsubishi Motors’ proprietary integrated vehicle dynamics control system, Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), allows optimal control of all four wheels to dramatically improve the vehicle’s motion performance. It enhances drivability on rough terrain and provides excellent straight-line stability and maneuverability. Delica D:5 offers four drive modes of Normal, Eco, Gravel and Snow, and is equipped with Hill Descent Control, which maintains a set speed when driving downhill, delivering the optimal control under a variety of road conditions.

There Is No Other Car Like the Long-Selling Delica D:5
Built for Families to Enjoy Together

New features do not end there. A range of driver-assistance technologies has been upgraded, improving safety performance and convenience. The Forward Collision Mitigation system is now able to detect bicycles in addition to other vehicles and pedestrians. The Misacceleration Mitigation System responds to accidental acceleration even when reversing. Leading Car Departure Notification notifies the driver when a car in front has started moving, and parking sensors inform the driver visually and audibly of the approximate location of an obstacle with sonar sensors mounted on the front and rear bumpers. In addition, the Multi Around Monitor system offers image quality approximately three times clearer than the previous model, and better visibility with views from the sides and front of the vehicle, a bird’s-eye view, and a transparent front side view. The Moving Object Detection system helps the driver check the surrounding areas in places such as parking lots.

Many Delica D:5 owners value expressing their own style and identity, and they place great importance on spending quality time with family and friends. The community of Delica owners is highly active as well—fan meetings can attract as many as 1,200 vehicles. Since its debut in 1968, the unique character of the Delica has continued to evolve with the times and changing customer needs, all while maintaining its enduring popularity. Fujii adds:

“Since the major update in 2019, the Delica D:5 has continued to grow, and in fact, fiscal year 2024 marked its highest sales ever. Sales in fiscal 2025 are on track to surpass even that. It is a rare model for us—one that continues to increase its sales year after year—and it offers outstanding usability for families. We hope many more customers will enjoy the new Delica D:5.”

INTERVIEWEES

Kosuke Fujii
Chief Product Specialist (Domestic Vehicle)
Product Strategy Division

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
3-1-21 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was established in April 1970 as a spin-off from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Today, it is a global automobile company with a competitive edge in SUVs, all-wheel control technologies refined through rally activities, and electrification technologies. It is a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan. The company has about 28,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan and the ASEAN region. Mitsubishi Motors is also an equity-method affiliate of Mitsubishi Corporation.