2026 Mitsubishi Delica D:5 is forbidden fruit we wish to get in PH

New Mitsubishi Delica D:5 prototype revealed at 2025 Japan Mobility Show

If there’s one Mitsubishi vehicle we wish were offered in the Philippines, it has to be the Delica D:5. With its sleek and rugged styling, tall ride height, three-row seating, and 2.2L turbo-diesel engine, it could give the likes of the Toyota Innova something to think about.

Since its introduction way back in 2007, the Delica D:5 (fifth-generation) has only received a facelift back in 2019. Despite its age, Mitsubishi has done a good job in keeping some of its models fresh and up-to-date. At this year’s Japan Mobility Show (JMS), Mitsubishi revealed an upgraded version of its popular MPV with new technologies and a more striking exterior.

Revealed in prototype form at the Tokyo Big Sight, the new Mitsubishi Delica D:5 wears a more macho exterior thanks to a new and bolder grille that features additional faux metal trim and a “Delica” nameplate placed in the middle of the grille itself. Also new is the off-road inspired redesign, thanks to the more rugged front bumper, generous use of black body cladding, extended wheel arch moldings, and gloss black accents highlight its capability on-road and off-road.

Inside, almost everything remains the same in the Delia D:5. However, it now comes with metal-accentuated panels that Mitsubishi says evoke the feeling of the great outdoors. It also gets an updated digital instrument cluster, which can also be found in the new XForce & Xpander MPV. 

High-grade models of the D:5 come with leather-suede upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel that appears to have been inspired by the Montero Sport & Xpander, captain seats on the second row with armrests, a new touchscreen infotainment system, and contrast stitching on the upholstery.

Under the hood, the 2.2L 4N14 turbo-diesel MIVEC engine continues to power the Delica D:5. It makes 177 PS at 3500 rpm along with 380 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm. Power is then sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. New for the Delica, however, is the introduction of Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) 4WD system that vastly improves vehicle dynamics. The system constantly and optimally controls the driving force on each wheel, which provides better response and handling.

Just like the XForce and recently revealed Destinator, the Delica D:5 now comes with selectable drive modes. It includes Eco, Gravel, Normal, and Snow.

With the new Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Prototype on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, we can only wish Mitsubishi would make it available to other markets like the Philippines. But since the brand only makes right-hand drive (RHD) examples, it has little to no chance of becoming available in the country.