In Summary
The Delica D:5 has remained popular for nearly two decades because it keeps evolving.
The January 2026 update sharpened the design, improved refinement, and added S-AWC.
It still stands out for third-row space, diesel torque, and strong resale value.
Why the Delica D:5 Has Stayed Strong for So Long
Few Japanese vehicles have kept their popularity as long as the Mitsubishi Delica D:5. It first went on sale in 2007, and even after 19 years it is still selling steadily. In 2025, average monthly registrations reached 2,032 units. That may sound mid-pack at first, but Mitsubishi has far fewer domestic dealerships than Toyota, Honda, or Nissan, which makes the Delica D:5 one of the brand’s true core models in Japan.
Another reason for its staying power is that the model has continued to evolve. Mitsubishi updates it almost every year or releases special editions, so owners do not need to wait for a full model change to feel that a new Delica D:5 is worth considering. Its popularity in the used market also helps. Compared with other vehicles in the same price range, it tends to hold its value better, which makes trading up easier and keeps demand healthy.
What Changed in the January 2026 Update
The January 2026 revision covered many areas, but the most noticeable change was the exterior. The front grille and bumper used to lean heavily on chrome, while the revised design is simpler and darker, with more black accents. The side view also gained wheel-arch moldings, which push the model further toward an SUV character. Overall width grew by 20 mm to 1,815 mm, while overall length and height remained unchanged.
Even with the wider body, the Delica D:5 remains easy to place on the road because the horizontal design makes the corners easy for the driver to read. Inside, the meter cluster became an 8-inch color display with clearer graphics and more information, including front and rear torque distribution for the four-wheel-drive system. The dashboard gained stitched detailing and metal-look trim, so the cabin no longer feels dated even though the basic design traces back to 2007.
Cabin Space and Practicality
One of the Delica D:5’s biggest strengths remains interior space, especially in the third row. With six adults aboard and the second row adjusted to leave two fist-widths of knee room, the third row still offers about three fist-widths of space. That makes it roomier than rivals such as the Noah, Voxy, Step WGN, and Serena in this size class. The third-row cushion is also long enough to support the thighs properly, which makes the rear seats genuinely usable for adults.
There are still a few age-related compromises. The steering wheel tilts but does not telescope, so some drivers may struggle to find their ideal position. The third row also takes effort to fold up to the sides, which can matter if the owner regularly loads large cargo. Even so, for families or groups who want real three-row usability, the Delica D:5 remains one of the strongest choices in its class.
S-AWC, Diesel Power, and Refinement
The revised model now uses Mitsubishi’s S-AWC four-wheel control technology and adds selectable drive modes for normal driving, economy, snow, and gravel. On the road, the biggest gains are in polish. The 2.3-liter inline-four clean-diesel turbo, still unique among Japanese minivans, is quieter than before, and tire noise has also been reduced. The engine keeps the strong mid-range pull that has always suited everyday use, especially between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm.
For a minivan that stands 1,875 mm tall, stability is respectable. Initial steering response is still a little vague, which shows the age of the underlying platform, but rear grip stays strong and body movements are calm on winding roads. Ride comfort has also improved. Mitsubishi says the suspension settings themselves were not changed, but the new tires and the addition of S-AWC appear to have helped. As a result, the Delica D:5 now feels more refined without losing the practicality and rough-road ability that made it popular in the first place.
Best Uses, Best Grade, and Ownership Value
The Delica D:5 suits a wide range of owners because it combines minivan utility with SUV ability. Camping is the most obvious use case. Fold the third row away and four or five people can travel with plenty of gear, while the generous ground clearance and four-wheel-drive system help on rough access roads and uneven campsites. It also works well for owners who regularly travel with several passengers and want more real third-row comfort than most rivals can offer.
The entire range now uses the diesel engine and four-wheel drive, with three grades available. If value matters most, the G-Power Package strikes the best balance of equipment and price. Buyers with a larger budget should also look at the top-grade P, which offers richer trim and stronger appeal on the used market. That resale strength is one of the Delica D:5’s biggest ownership advantages, and current delivery times of roughly three to four months are relatively short for a vehicle with such strong retained value.
