Mitsubishi Delica
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a practical MPV that can handle both school runs and weekend adventures? The Mitsubishi Delica might be exactly what you’re looking for. This eight seater MPV brings together Japanese reliability with genuine all wheel drive capability, making it a unique proposition in the family car market. It’s the car for people who need serious people carrying capacity without compromising on go anywhere ability.

From the moment you see it, the Delica commands attention. Its tall, boxy proportions and upright stance give it a commanding road presence that rivals like the Toyota Alphard or Honda Stepwagon struggle to match. But the real appeal lies in its versatility. The interior offers genuine space for eight people while the all wheel drive system means you’re not limited to tarmac roads. You get the practicality of a people carrier with the capability of a proper 4×4.

Driving the Delica is a refreshing experience compared to typical family MPVs. The elevated driving position gives you excellent visibility, while the all wheel drive system provides confidence in all weather conditions. It handles surprisingly well for such a tall vehicle, making both urban driving and longer journeys comfortable for everyone on board. While it may not be the most refined MPV on the market, it offers a unique combination of space, capability, and reliability that makes it genuinely special for the right family.

What's the Mitsubishi Delica Like to Drive?

The Mitsubishi Delica focuses on practicality and capability rather than outright performance. The most common engine is a 2.4 litre petrol unit producing around 170 horsepower, which provides adequate power for this substantial MPV. While not fast by modern standards, it delivers sufficient performance for everyday driving and highway cruising. The all wheel drive system is the real highlight here, using Mitsubishi’s proven AWC technology that automatically distributes power where it’s needed most.

Where the Delica truly excels is in its driving versatility. The high driving position gives you excellent visibility in all directions, making parking and maneuvering easier than you might expect. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, soaking up road imperfections well while keeping body roll controlled. On challenging terrain or in poor weather, the all wheel drive system inspires confidence that front wheel drive competitors simply cannot match. It’s a vehicle that prioritises capability and comfort over pure performance figures.

How Comfortable Is the Mitsubishi Delica?

Step inside the Delica and you’re immediately struck by the sheer amount of space available. This is one of the most spacious interiors in its class, with genuine room for eight adults across three rows of seats. The build quality feels solid and dependable, with hard wearing materials throughout that can cope with family life. The dashboard layout is straightforward and functional, with clear controls and good visibility from the driver’s seat.

The seating configuration is highly flexible, with the middle row seats able to swivel to face the rear passengers when parked. All seats offer reasonable comfort levels, though the rearmost row is best suited to shorter journeys or children. Climate control keeps all areas of the large cabin comfortable, while multiple cup holders and storage areas help keep family essentials organised. Road noise is well controlled for such a tall vehicle, and the high seating position gives all passengers a commanding view of the road ahead.

The Mitsubishi Delica succeeds in delivering a unique proposition in the MPV market. It combines genuine eight seat practicality with all wheel drive capability that most rivals cannot match. The interior space is genuinely impressive, while the build quality and reliability reputation inspire confidence for long term ownership. The all weather capability adds a dimension of versatility that makes it genuinely useful beyond typical family duties. The trade offs include higher fuel consumption and a less refined driving experience than some premium alternatives. It’s not the most stylish MPV on the market, but that’s not really the point. This is a vehicle built for families who prioritise substance over style, capability over kerb appeal. If you need maximum space, all weather ability, and proven reliability, the Delica delivers where it matters most. It proves that practical doesn’t have to mean boring.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mitsubishi Delica?

As a large MPV with all wheel drive, the Delica has running costs that reflect its size and capability. Fuel economy typically ranges from 22 to 25 mpg in real world driving, which is reasonable for a vehicle of this size and weight. Insurance costs are generally moderate, falling into groups that won’t break the bank for family buyers. Parts and servicing costs benefit from Mitsubishi’s reputation for reliability, though specialist knowledge may be required for some components.

The main consideration is the higher purchase price compared to conventional front wheel drive MPVs. However, the combination of space, capability, and build quality helps justify the premium. When you factor in flexible car finance options and the vehicle’s strong reputation for durability, the total cost of ownership becomes more attractive. Regular maintenance is essential to keep running costs down, but many owners report trouble free motoring for years with proper care.

Is the Mitsubishi Delica Practical for Everyday Use?

For sheer practicality, the Mitsubishi Delica is hard to beat in the MPV segment. The eight seat configuration provides genuine space for large families or groups, while the flexible seating arrangement allows you to prioritise passengers or cargo as needed. With all seats in place, boot space is limited to around 200 litres, but fold the rear seats down and you have over 2,000 litres of cargo capacity. The wide opening rear doors and low loading height make it easy to load bulky items.

The high roofline means even tall passengers can sit comfortably in all three rows, while the numerous storage compartments help keep family essentials organised. Cup holders, bottle holders, and small item storage are scattered throughout the cabin. The all wheel drive capability opens up possibilities that conventional MPVs cannot match, whether that’s tackling muddy car parks at outdoor events or handling snow covered roads with confidence. For families who need maximum space and year round capability, the Delica offers a compelling package compared to other used Mitsubishi cars.

The Mitsubishi Delica stands out in the competitive MPV market by offering genuine eight seat capability with all weather confidence. It packages proven Japanese engineering, impressive interior space, and go anywhere ability into a practical family friendly format. While it may not be the most fuel efficient or refined MPV available, it excels in the areas that matter most for busy families who need maximum versatility.

You choose the Delica because you want an MPV that doesn’t make compromises on capability or practicality. Its spacious interior, flexible seating, and all wheel drive system make every journey possible regardless of weather or destination. It’s perfectly suited for large families or those who regularly need to carry groups of people, especially when combined with affordable options for cars under £10,000 on the used market.