Mitsubishi’s tiniest Delica just became a pop-top micro-camper, and it’s a surprisingly big idea

Mitsubishi is taking a small swing at a big trend, and it might be the most relatable “adventure vehicle” concept in a while.

Meet the Delica Mini Active Camper, a lifted, rugged-leaning version of Mitsubishi’s Delica Mini kei van that adds the one feature that instantly changes what a vehicle can be: a pop-up roof.

It’s headed to Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 as part of Mitsubishi’s Delica Festival showcase, and it feels like a quiet rebuttal to the era of enormous, expensive overland builds.

This is especially impressive, as the Delica Mini aims to start at ¥1,804,000 to ¥2,238,500 (approx. US$13,500 to $16,750), which is incredibly affordable for all the innovation.

What it is, in plain terms

This isn’t a fantasy rig meant to conquer Moab. It’s a city-sized van concept that’s trying to make weekend escapes simpler.

Mitsubishi’s concept upgrades read like a checklist for “let’s go camping” practicality:

• pop-up roof for sleeping space and headroom
• lift kit that raises ground clearance by 25 mm
• skid-style front bar and mud flaps for a tougher stance and a bit more confidence on rougher roads
• some coverage also mentions an awning, which tracks with the whole “park it, open it, relax” vibe

It’s basically Mitsubishi saying: not every adventure needs a giant truck and a roof tent that costs more than your first car.

Why this matters for Electric Future readers

Even if this particular concept is not an EV, the idea is deeply electric-adjacent.

The future of electric adventure is going to get real when it stops being about extremes and starts being about normal people doing normal trips. Light, compact, efficient vehicles are where EVs feel the most effortless. You get better range, less weight, and less “I need a special charging plan just to go camping” anxiety.

Mitsubishi is also loudly positioning its long-term direction around electrification, with a stated goal of reaching 100% electrified vehicle sales by 2035.  A micro-camper like this is the kind of template that could make a lot of sense as electrified options spread, especially for short getaways and small-group road trips.

Mitsubishi is leaning into Delica culture on purpose

The Active Camper is part of a broader Tokyo Auto Salon push where Mitsubishi is celebrating customization and outdoorsy identity across the Delica lineup. The company says it will show 11 vehicles under the “Delica Festival” theme.

That’s not accidental. Carmakers are learning that lifestyle is the product now. The best ones give people a platform to personalize, not just another appliance on wheels.

Will anyone outside Japan get one?

Probably not, at least not soon. The Delica Mini is a Japan-focused kei vehicle, and this Active Camper is still a concept stacked on top of that.

Still, concepts like this tend to matter even when they never ship. They show what a brand thinks “next” looks like.

The takeaway

The Delica Mini Active Camper is compelling because it’s honest. It’s not trying to sell a heroic fantasy. It’s trying to make a simple one easier: drive somewhere pretty, pop the top, make coffee, sleep comfortably, go home.

In a world where “adventure” keeps getting heavier and more expensive, Mitsubishi’s tiny pop-top feels like a reminder that the smartest future might be smaller.