Mitsubishi's Adventure Concepts Aren't Sold Here, but We Secretly Crave Them

• Mitsubishi showed off seven outdoor-inspired vehicles at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, most of which won't be available in the United States.

• The Japanese automaker displayed a mix of all-electric kei cars and large SUVs with Ralliart dealer-installed accessories.

• An Outlander Vision concept featured a more powerful plug-in-hybrid powertrain with big wheels, brakes, and a wider stance that made the three-row SUV look aggressive and intimidating.

While Mitsubishi's lineup here in the U.S. is barely large enough to rub together to start a fire, its selection of kei cars and Delica minivans available in Japan flourishes. Seven vehicles debuted at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, ranging from an all-electric concept to a plug-in-hybrid Outlander with all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted tent canopy.

The K-EV concept X Style is Mitsubishi's next-generation all-electric kei car, or compact city car. While it's not something that's available here, the K-EV is interesting because of the way its toaster-like shape maximizes space in a small package. The copper-colored roof is meant to honor the complex guts of the electric motor that drives it. The Japanese government regulates the exterior dimensions, horsepower, and displacement of these cute-size kei cars. Think Mitsubishi Mirage, but slightly smaller and better looking. Due to those regulations, this concept uses smaller hardware including 15-inch wheels bolted to hubs with just four lugs.

The Delica, which hasn't been on sale in the U.S. since the 1990s, is still offered in the Japan market as a compact minivan. The Delica D:5 Tough x Tough for the Tokyo salon is fitted with Ralliart accessories that don't quite transform it into the Hulk but add a lifted suspension, 16-inch wheels, bumper guards, and a rooftop tent. While it might look more like a lunchbox next to a camp-ready Toyota Tundra, the Delica's second and third rows can be folded flat to allow for sleeping and essentially turn this minivan into a double-decker tent.