A closer look at Mitsubishi Versa Van’s pros, cons

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has brought back the Versa Van nameplate via a rebadged version of the Nissan Urvan. 

For the unaware, Mitsubishi is directly related to Nissan through the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance, so platform sharing and even model rebadging between the three global car brands are a staple. 

The Mitsubishi Versa Van as a name, on the other hand, was once the designation of the L300 Versa Van, which was sold in Asia several decades ago. 

Now in 2026, the model is now available as a single variant option in the local market, with a price set at P1.649 million. 

So, what are the pros and cons of the Mitsubishi Versa Van that prospective buyers should be aware of? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Robust powertrain

One reason to buy the Mitsubishi Versa Van is its robust turbodiesel powertrain. 

Notably, the one propelling the rebadged model is the exact same 2.5-liter YD25DDTi four-cylinder mill used by the current Philippine-spec Nissan Urvan. With that said, this engine has been around for quite some time, and it has a good reputation, judging from the sheer number of Urvan units running around the Philippines as logistics platforms, family rides, or even as commercial transport vehicles. 

At maximum, the Versa Van’s 2.5-liter engine can generate up to 127 horsepower and 356 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It isn’t the most powerful van or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) used as a people carrier in the market right now, but the said output is more than enough to haul a fully-seated example of the Versa Van. 

Moreover, the 2.5-liter YD25DDTi’s peak torque comes in quite early within 1,400-2,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). With that said, the vehicle, while large, will have no problems navigating steep roads or performing overtaking maneuvers on the highway. 

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Sturdy platform

Additionally, the Mitsubishi Versa Van was built on the same ladder frame chassis as the Nissan Urvan. The aforementioned, of course, means added durability, which is ideal for dealing with Philippine road conditions. 

Supporting the van uses a truck-based suspension system consisting of a front torsion bar with a stabilizer for the front, and elliptical leaf springs in the rear. These components are designed for long-term durability and load-bearing capacity, especially considering the leaf springs for the model’s rear end. 

Moreover, these suspension setups used by the Mitsubishi Versa Van are far simpler in mechanical terms compared to MacPherson struts, double wishbones, and the many types of independent suspension systems common on other passenger cars in the market. This invariably means easier repairs and parts replacements. 

For stopping power, the van uses ventilated front discs and rear drums. Meanwhile, power is sent to the rear of the vehicle through a five-speed manual transmission. 

Again, the said components for the Versa Van highlight its simple but robust design. It comes with a no-nonsense gearbox and a braking system that has been proven on the Nissan Urvan, as effective but relatively low-cost compared to a full disc braking system. 

People-carrying specialist

Of course, the biggest reason to purchase a brand-new Mitsubishi Versa Van is its ability to seat up to 15 passengers comfortably. The aforementioned, of course, is accomplished by the van via a number of choice features. 

For starters, the model comes with a wide sliding door that will make ingress and egress easy for a variety of passengers. This part will also make it easier for the van’s operators to load and unload cargo. 

As for its seating arrangement, the model comes with a whopping five rows, with each being equipped with dedicated air-conditioning vents - a must-have for the hot tropical climate of the Philippines. The aforementioned is supported by a decently wide and tall window line, which also makes the van a good vehicle for sightseeing tours. 

Other noteworthy features of the Mitsubishi Versa Van include dual front airbags, foldable jump seats, analog gauge clusters, power front windows, anti-lock braking, and Vehicle Dynamic Control. 

Cons

A bit pricey

While the Mitsubishi Versa Van has been shaped as a potentially great people carrier or logistics solution, it comes with a rather hefty price tag. 

As mentioned above, it retails at P1.649 million, which is P79,000 more compared to the Nissan Urvan Standard MT. It is even more expensive than the Nissan Urvan Standard Plus MT (P1.58 million), which comes with slightly more amenities. 

Mitsubishi Versa Van: specifications

Model	Mitsubishi Versa Van
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,710x1,695x1,990
Wheelbase (mm)	2,555
Ground clearance (mm)	195
Wheel size	15-inch (steel)
Lighting system	Halogen
Interior
Material	Fabric
Amenities	Two-piece speaker set Fixed bench seats Foldable jump seats 12-volt accessory outlet Manual air-conditioning Rear air-conditioning vents Rear wiper
Infotainment system	1-DIN sound system
Seating capacity	15
Powertrain
Engine	2.5-liter inline-four turbodiesel
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel-drive
Transmission	Five-speed manual
Horsepower	127
Torque	356 Nm
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags High-mount stop lamp Vehicle dynamic control Anti-lock braking
Price	P1.649 million

Final thoughts

To sum it all up, the Mitsubishi Versa Van is a sturdy platform that will do well as a transport solution in the Philippine setting. It has the right stuff to take the rigors of our nation's poorly (often) maintained roads, and it has just the right features to make sure all of its 15 passengers are comfortable. 

On that note, the Versa Van is indeed more expensive than its Nissan counterparts. Then again, one can argue that, by being a Mitsubishi, it has some inherent strengths - courtesy of the said brand’s larger dealership network. 

As of 2026, Mitsubishi’s local arm now has 68 dealerships within the country. 

Also read:

Van wars: Mitsubishi Versa vs Nissan Urvan

New year, new ride: Mitsubishi Montero Sport

New year, new ride: Mitsubishi Xpander Hybrid

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