Written by Gerry Martselos, Terra2 Imports
Test Driving the Delica
The Delica is a vehicle in a class of its own. Until you experience one for yourself, you won't fully understand. We had the pleasure of adding a Delica to our fleet and these are our thoughts based on real-world use.
At first glance — or more often a stare — the Delica doesn't fit in with the typical vehicle on Canadian roads. It stands out and screams function over form to everyone who sees it. It may look like a face only a mother could love, but the styling genuinely grows on you.
Engine and Fuel Economy
The Delica runs a fuel-efficient 2.5L turbo diesel engine that delivers plenty of torque and is economical to operate — provided you don't have a heavy foot. We managed a consistent 20–25 MPG across a good mix of city and highway driving. That aligns with what other owners report: the highest figures push past 30 MPG, with the lowest just under 20 MPG.
Driving Position and Visibility
Cruising in a Delica is a genuinely different experience, and that starts with the cab-over driving position. Your seat sits directly above the front wheels, placing you right at the pivot point of the steering. It feels almost like you're riding on the hood of a car at first — but once you adapt, it's quite enjoyable and gives you a commanding view of the road.
Visibility is excellent. Large windows wrap around the cabin, and big mirrors cover every blind spot, including convex mirrors for close-proximity work at the front and rear.
Highway Performance
On straight roads the Delica rolls along smoothly, reaching 110–120 km/h without difficulty. Hills are a different story. On the steepest grades of the Coquihalla, the van averaged around 80 km/h — not flat out, but all that was available on the toughest climbs. Notably, the temperature gauge stayed completely stable under that load, which speaks well of the engine's durability.
The Delica maintains speed well given its aerodynamics are, to put it charitably, not a priority. It will carry you and up to six passengers wherever you need to go in an economical, reliable manner — just don't plan on winning any races.
Practical Highlights
- The Crystal Light moon roof option gives passengers a panoramic view — particularly welcome on camping trips where stargazing from inside the van is a real option.
- Height clearance deserves attention: the Delica is a tall vehicle, so watch for low-clearance structures.
- The all-wheel-drive capability makes it a natural for ski trips loaded with gear, beach days with the dogs, or pushing up a logging road you wouldn't attempt in a lesser vehicle.
Our Verdict
The Delica is bought for what it does, not how it looks — and what it does, it does very well. Torquey diesel power, real off-road capability, generous passenger space, and surprisingly decent fuel economy add up to a van that makes sense on Canadian back roads. A set of larger wheels and a front bush guard would bring the looks in line with the capability underneath, and that's exactly the direction we were headed with ours.
If you're ready to find one of your own, browse Mitsubishi Delica listings on JDMBUYSELL — updated regularly with examples across the USA. Not sure what to expect from the import process? JDMBUYSELL's guide to importing a JDM vehicle to the USA walks through eligibility, compliance, and what to budget.
If you're considering a Delica, browse current listings on JDM Buy & Sell — the successor marketplace to Terra2 Imports.