The Japanese automaker has transformed its adorable kei car into a rugged micro-camper that delivers adventure in a surprisingly small package. At the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, Mitsubishi unveiled the Delica Mini Active Camper, a concept build that squeezes camping functionality into one of the smallest van packages you’ll ever see.
- The Delica Mini measures only 58.1 inches tall and 133.7 inches long, making it dramatically smaller than the standard Delica D5 which stands at 73.8 inches tall and 189 inches long.
- The Active Camper features a roof-mounted pop-up tent that effectively doubles the living space, offering a snug sleeping area for two.
- The build sits on a lifted suspension adding an extra inch of ground clearance and utilizes a specialized four-wheel drive system paired with aggressive all-terrain tires.
When Cute Meets Capable
The Delica minivan has been around in some form since 1968, making it Mitsubishi’s oldest model that remains in production. But the latest concept takes things in a new direction. Mitsubishi brought the Delica Mini customized for overnight adventures to this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, dubbing it the Active Camper and kitting it out with accessories and modifications that make it well-suited for off-road fun.
This build stands out because Mitsubishi had the audacity to turn such a tiny platform into a real camper. Following a minor refresh in October 2025, the Delica Mini is now officially a camper van concept, appearing as one among a series of show vans developed for a “Delica Festival” celebration.
Smart Design for Limited Space
Mitsubishi’s designers have done their best to maximize the space available, equipping the van with a roof-mounted pop-up roof tent that looks to have enough space for two. When you’re working with such a compact footprint, you have to get creative. The pop-up design means the sleeping area is always ready without needing to mount or remove a rooftop tent.
Other modifications include an ARB awning, auxiliary light bar, and skid plates. The exterior is further fortified for the trail with a suite of ARB accessories, including a side-mounted awning, a high-intensity auxiliary light bar, and protective skid plates for underbody durability. The van market has seen all sorts of configurations over the years, from full-size builds like the Mercedes van camper to micro solutions like this Mitsubishi, showing how diverse camping preferences have become.
A Micro Camper Built for Real Adventures
Don’t let the adorable looks fool you. The vehicle is outfitted with a 25-millimeter suspension lift, a front skid bar, and durable mud flaps, with Mitsubishi claiming these modifications allow the compact wagon to access terrain typically reserved for larger SUVs while maintaining the maneuverability required for urban environments.
Launched in May 2023, the Delica Mini has enjoyed widespread popularity as an emblematic model for the Mitsubishi Motors brand, driving domestic sales with over 3,000 units sold per month and winning the Design Car of the Year at the 2023-2024 Japan Car of the Year awards. The base vehicle already comes with features like Grip Control for slippery surfaces and Hill Descent Control, making it a natural candidate for adventure modifications.
Is This the Future of Compact Camping?
The Delica Mini Active Camper appears to be just a one-off build at this point, though the model’s Japanese website does highlight what it can do and pushes it as an adventure vehicle. The first Delica Mini camper van is just a concept, and even if it becomes a real product, it would be limited to the Japanese market.
Built for the Japanese market, the Delica Mini has yet to arrive on US shores, and as a concept, this camper has even less chance of showing up at a campground near you. That’s a shame, because the micro-camper trend is catching on with solo travelers and minimalist adventurers who prioritize freedom and fuel economy over square footage.
The Active Camper is one of eight vehicles that make up the “Delica Festival” exhibit at the automaker’s booth at the 2026 edition of the annual car show. Mitsubishi clearly wants to show off what the Delica lineup can do, from the full-size D5 models to this pint-sized camper concept.
Why This Mini Camper Matters
The Delica Mini Active Camper changes how we think about camping vehicles. Even the smallest vehicles can handle outdoor adventures with the right setup. This concept shows that clever design and smart accessories can transform compact platforms into capable adventure machines. Whether Mitsubishi decides to put this into production remains to be seen, but the concept alone has camping enthusiasts talking.
With gas prices staying high and parking getting tighter in cities around the world, micro-campers like this could offer a practical solution for weekend warriors who want to camp without committing to a full-size van. The Japanese have always excelled at maximizing minimal space, and this Delica Mini shows that philosophy can work just as well for camping as it does for city living.