The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 is a Japanese-market people mover with a long-running reputation for combining family-friendly packaging with available four-wheel-drive capability. In Australia, most Delica D:5 vehicles are imported rather than sold through Mitsubishi Australia's new-car range, so specifications can vary significantly by model year, drivetrain and Japanese-market grade.
This guide separates the major Delica D:5 generations and explains the current 2026 Japanese-market specifications, dimensions, 4WD system and practical checks for Australian owners.
Mitsubishi Delica D5 Generations at a Glance
The Delica D:5 has evolved substantially since its introduction. For Australian owners and accessory fitment, the most useful split is:
- Earlier D:5 / pre-2019 models: multiple petrol and diesel variants, with dimensions and ground clearance varying by drivetrain and year;
- 2019 facelift: major front-end redesign and the modern 2.267L 4N14 diesel/8-speed automatic combination;
- 2026 updated model: further exterior and interior changes plus Mitsubishi's S-AWC vehicle-control system with four drive modes.
Because Australian vehicles are often used imports, do not assume that specifications from a current Japanese-market D:5 apply to an older vehicle.
2026 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Specifications
For the Japanese-market Delica D:5 updated for 2026, Mitsubishi lists:
| Specification | 2026 Japanese-market Delica D:5 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.267L 4N14 common-rail turbo-diesel |
| Maximum power | 107 kW at 3,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 380 Nm at 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD with S-AWC on the 2026 update |
| Length | 4,800 mm |
| Width | 1,815 mm |
| Height | 1,875 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm |
| Minimum ground clearance | 185 mm |
These figures describe the current Japanese-market vehicle. Earlier Delica D:5 models can have different engines, dimensions, ride heights and drivetrain systems.
Delica D5 Dimensions: Why Model Year Matters
One common mistake is quoting one set of dimensions or one ground-clearance figure for every Delica D:5.
For example, Mitsubishi's own figures for late pre-2019 models list approximately:
- 4,790 mm length;
- 1,795 mm width;
- 1,850 mm height for some 2WD versions;
- 1,870 mm height for some 4WD versions;
- 190 mm minimum ground clearance for some 2WD versions;
- 210 mm minimum ground clearance for some 4WD versions.
By comparison, Mitsubishi lists the 2026 updated D:5 at 4,800 mm long, 1,815 mm wide, 1,875 mm high and 185 mm minimum ground clearance.
The practical takeaway is simple: check the exact year, chassis code and drivetrain before relying on a Delica dimension or clearance figure.
Delica D5 Interior Dimensions
For the current 3DA-CV1W generation, Mitsubishi lists approximate interior dimensions of:
- interior length: 2,980 mm;
- interior length including luggage area: 3,020 mm;
- interior width: 1,505 mm;
- interior height: 1,310 mm.
Earlier D:5 models use a slightly different interior-length figure, so again, year-specific specifications matter if you are planning a camper, storage or cargo setup.
What Is S-AWC on the 2026 Delica D5?
The 2026 update introduced Mitsubishi's S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle-control system to the Delica D:5.
Mitsubishi provides four drive modes:
- ECO: prioritises efficiency and uses front-wheel drive where appropriate;
- NORMAL: balances traction, stability and efficiency for general driving;
- GRAVEL: increases rear-drive contribution and traction control for gravel, rough roads and low-grip conditions;
- SNOW: focuses on stability and traction on slippery surfaces.
S-AWC coordinates drivetrain and braking control, but it does not remove the need for suitable tyres, appropriate speeds or careful driving on difficult terrain.
Is the Mitsubishi Delica D5 a 4WD?
Many Delica D:5 vehicles are 4WD, but the D:5 has also existed in 2WD configurations in earlier Japanese-market production.
That means an Australian buyer should confirm the actual drivetrain of the specific imported vehicle rather than assuming every Delica D:5 is four-wheel drive.
How Capable Is a Delica D5 Off Road?
The Delica D:5 is unusual because it combines people-mover packaging with available 4WD systems and useful ground clearance. That makes it well suited to gravel roads, snow, touring and moderate rough-road use when equipped appropriately.
However, it should not be treated as equivalent to a dedicated low-range 4WD simply because it has all-wheel-drive capability.
Off-road performance still depends on:
- tyre type and condition;
- ground clearance;
- approach, departure and break-over angles;
- surface conditions;
- vehicle load;
- driver technique;
- whether the specific D:5 has 2WD, earlier 4WD or the 2026 S-AWC system.
Delica D5 Diesel Engine
The current D:5 uses Mitsubishi's 2.267L 4N14 common-rail turbo-diesel. Mitsubishi lists output at 107 kW and 380 Nm for the current Japanese-market model.
Older imported D:5 vehicles may use different petrol or diesel engines, so use the vehicle's chassis code and build details when sourcing service parts or accessories.
Delica D5 Transmission
The current 4N14 diesel D:5 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.
This is important because older online information sometimes quotes a six-speed automatic or CVT without clearly identifying the model year or engine. Those specifications should not be applied across the entire D:5 range.
Family and Touring Practicality
The Delica D:5 remains popular with families and touring owners because its tall body and sliding-door layout provide a different type of practicality from a dual-cab ute or conventional SUV.
Useful characteristics include:
- three-row passenger layouts on many variants;
- sliding side doors;
- substantial interior height;
- flexible rear-seat and cargo arrangements;
- available 4WD capability.
Exact seating layouts and convenience features vary by Japanese-market grade, so check the individual vehicle rather than relying on a generic equipment list.
What to Check When Buying an Imported Delica D5
If you are considering a Delica D:5 in Australia, verify the individual vehicle rather than relying only on the advertised model year.
Useful checks include:
- chassis code: confirms the underlying specification;
- build and first-registration date: helps identify generation and update level;
- 2WD or 4WD: earlier D:5 models were not all four-wheel drive;
- engine: petrol and diesel specifications differ;
- transmission: varies across model years and engines;
- service history: particularly important for privately imported vehicles;
- previous modifications: suspension, wheels, tyres and electrical accessories can affect fitment and compliance;
- current Australian registration and compliance details.
Delica D5 Accessories in Australia
UniUte currently carries a small range of vehicle-specific Delica D:5 accessories rather than a broad catalogue of suspension, camping and roof-rack products.
Current categories include:
- pre-facelift and facelift-specific nudge bars;
- 2.5-inch and 3-inch side bars;
- a tow bar for compatible 2006–2019 vehicles.
For exact year-by-year fitment, see our Mitsubishi Delica D5 Accessories Australia — 2006–2026 Fitment Guide.
You can also browse the current Mitsubishi Delica accessories collection.
Delica D5 Lift Kits
UniUte does not currently sell a Delica D:5 lift kit.
If you are researching suspension changes, read our Mitsubishi Delica D5 Lift Kit Australia guide, which covers lift types, wheel alignment, CV angles, tyre interaction and Australian modification considerations.
Mitsubishi Delica D5: Key Takeaways
The most important thing to understand about the Delica D:5 is that its specification has changed considerably over time.
- Do not apply current 2026 specifications to older imported D:5s.
- Confirm the exact chassis code, drivetrain and model year.
- The current Japanese-market model uses a 2.267L 4N14 diesel, 107 kW, 380 Nm and an 8-speed automatic.
- The 2026 update introduced S-AWC with ECO, NORMAL, GRAVEL and SNOW modes.
- Ground clearance and dimensions vary by generation.
- Accessory fitment should always be checked against the exact vehicle.
For Australian owners, the Delica D:5's appeal is its unusual combination of passenger space, sliding-door practicality and available four-wheel-drive capability — but accurate year-specific information matters when buying, modifying or choosing accessories.
1 comment
Hi, I like the wheels you have on this Delica! Would you mind letting me know what brand/model they are and where they can be purchased? Thanks, Lars