Subaru announced a full model change for its Stella light wagon on June 12, 2025, and began sales on the same day. The Stella, which has long been a popular OEM model, has been revived as a new generation of light vehicle, equipped with the latest technology and design, since production of the previous model ended in 2023. It will be available in four grades, with prices ranging from 1,358,500 yen to 2,057,000 yen.
Subaru New Stella Major Changes and Features
- Release date and price :
- It underwent a full model change and was released on June 12, 2025.
- The price range is from 1,358,500 yen to 2,057,000 yen.
- OEM and previous model status :
- This is an OEM model of the Daihatsu Move.
- The previous model was discontinued in 2023.
- Main changes :
- The latest platform has been adopted , resulting in increased interior space.
- Sliding doors have been added to the rear seats for added convenience.
- A 9-inch display audio is now available.
- An electric parking brake with auto brake hold function has been adopted.
- It is equipped with the latest Smart Assist safety system and has enhanced functionality.
- The “Stella Custom” option available in the previous model has been discontinued.
- A new “ZS” grade equipped with a turbo engine has been added.
- Body size and design :
- Its overall dimensions are almost the same as the previous model, with a total length of 3395mm, width of 1475mm, height of 1655mm and wheelbase of 2460mm.
- The new platform allows for a streamlined suspension and underbody structure, reducing weight and increasing rigidity.
- Vertical bending rigidity has been increased by 30% compared to previous models, improving ride comfort.
- interior :
- The latest design and equipment have improved functionality.
- A 9-inch display audio and an electric parking brake are also included.
- The interior space has been expanded, allowing for a variety of seating arrangements.
- It has wireless charging functionality and ample storage space.
- The seats, instrument panel, and door trim are color coordinated to create a high-quality feel.
- The sliding doors are equipped with a “welcome open function,” “touch and go lock function,” and “easy closer function” (G, Z, ZS grades).
- Powertrain :
- Naturally aspirated (NA) engine: inline 3-cylinder 660cc, 52ps/6.1kgm
- Turbo engine: Inline 3-cylinder 660cc turbo, 64ps/10.2kgm
- The drive system is FF/4WD and the transmission is CVT.
- Fuel economy, driving performance, and environmental performance have been improved through improvements to combustion characteristics, multi-spark (multiple ignitions), and changes to the fuel injection method.
- Safety equipment “Smart Assist” :
- Equipped with the latest stereo camera, the collision warning and collision avoidance assist brake functions can detect pedestrians and following motorcycles at night, and the detection distance and response speed have been improved.
- A brake control function for preventing false starts has been added.
- The driver’s burden is reduced with ACC (adaptive cruise control) with full-speed tracking function and LKC (lane keep control).
- The “Plus Support (acceleration suppression during sudden acceleration) system” has been installed.
- Parking is supported by the Panoramic View Monitor and Smart Panoramic Parking Assist (parking assistance system).
- Fuel economy (WLTC mode value) :
- 660cc naturally aspirated engine: 22.6km/L
- 660cc turbo engine: 21.5km/L
- This is a significant improvement over the previous model’s naturally aspirated engine (20.7km/L).
Changes brought by the new Stella: A complete look at the evolution
This full model change has resulted in significant improvements that enhance the Stella’s appeal in many ways.
First of all, it is worth noting that the new car is based on the latest platform . This has significantly increased the interior space compared to the previous model, providing room and comfort for all passengers. In addition, the long-awaited sliding doors have been adopted for the rear seats. This makes it much easier to get in and out of the car and load and unload luggage in tight spaces, dramatically improving convenience.
The interior is equipped with an advanced 9-inch display audio system and a full range of functions to suit modern digital lifestyles. Furthermore, an electric parking brake with an auto brake hold function that keeps the vehicle stationary has been adopted, improving convenience for everyday use.
In terms of safety, the latest version of Subaru’s renowned advanced safety system, ” Smart Assist, ” has been installed. This allows for night-time pedestrian detection and following motorcycle detection, with improved detection distance and response speed. In addition, brake control has been added to the false start prevention function, enhancing safety in the event of an accident.
The model lineup has been simplified by discontinuing the previous “Stella Custom” grade. Instead, a new “ZS” grade has been added, equipped with a turbo engine and pursuing driving performance, providing options to meet a variety of needs.
Promising new price range: Choices across four grades
The new Stella is priced from 1,358,500 yen for the FF model and 1,485,000 yen for the 4WD model, and the price range has risen slightly compared to the previous model due to the improved functionality. However, considering the new adoption of sliding doors and a full range of advanced equipment, the appeal of the new car as a mid-class minicar is more than appealing.
Subaru New Stella Grade Price List
The grade structure is as follows:
| Grade Name | Engine type | Drive system | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | Naturally aspirated engine | FF | 1,358,500 yen |
| 4WD | 1,485,000 yen | ||
| G | Naturally aspirated engine | FF | 1,523,500 yen |
| 4WD | 1,650,000 yen | ||
| Z | Naturally aspirated engine | FF | 1,804,000 yen |
| 4WD | 1,930,500 yen | ||
| ZS | turbo engine | FF | 1,930,500 yen |
| 4WD | 2,057,000 yen |
Of particular note is the addition of the “ZS” grade, which emphasizes driving performance, replacing the popular “Stella Custom” of the previous model. This makes the new model appealing to users who are looking for driving pleasure, rather than just a means of transportation.
Advanced and stylish: Renewed interior and exterior design
The design of the new Stella pursues advanced technology and stylishness befitting a new generation.
Exterior: Achieving both dignity and a sense of security
The front design features a smooth continuation from the front grille to the headlights, giving the car a wide, sharp impression and creating a dignified look. The bumper, which also takes aerodynamic performance into consideration, further refines the overall proportions.
The rear view features smart vertical rear combination lamps that emphasize a stylish impression. The change from the conventional swing-type to a wide-opening sliding door not only improves the design but also dramatically improves usability in limited spaces.
The side view has a thick body with a horizontal axis, creating a styling that gives a sense of security. A new body color, “Grace Brown Crystal Mica,” has been added, and with a wide variety of 12 colors to choose from, including two-tone colors, customers will be able to find a car that suits them best.
Interior: A fusion of high quality and functional beauty
The interior of the new Stella has evolved to a space that pursues a high-quality feel and comfort. The seats are color-coordinated with the instrument panel and door trim, creating a harmonious design throughout the vehicle and gently enveloping the occupants.
The display is positioned low, and the top of the instrument panel is kept clean, ensuring the driver a wide field of view. The latest platform also allows for an expanded interior space, and various seating arrangements are possible, achieving both passenger comfort and cargo capacity. The increased distance between the front and rear seats has also improved the comfort of the rear seats.
The cargo area has a wider and taller opening, making it easier to load and unload luggage than the previous model. Furthermore, a 9-inch smartphone-linked display audio system and wireless charging (Qi) that allows charging simply by placing the vehicle on the ground are available as factory-installed options, providing a full range of convenient equipment suited to modern lifestyles.
Improved ride comfort and driving performance: the true value of the new platform
While the new Stella maintains a body size that meets the kei car standard of 3,395mm in length, 1,475mm in width, and 1,655mm in height, the adoption of the latest platform has significantly improved driving performance and ride comfort.
The newly developed platform streamlines the suspension and underbody structure, and has reduced the weight of the foundation by optimizing plate thickness, reducing the number of parts, making extensive use of high-tensile steel plates, and utilizing plastic parts. As a result, a “newly developed underbody” has been realized with a 30% increase in vertical bending rigidity compared to the previous model, which, combined with the newly developed suspension, effectively absorbs unpleasant vibrations from the road surface, providing a high-quality ride.
The vehicle weight is 860 kg, a slight increase from the previous model’s 820 kg, but this is due to the addition of sliding doors and advanced equipment, and has been kept to a minimum by the new platform’s lightweighting technology.
The powertrain employs a 660cc engine developed to fit the latest platform. The naturally aspirated (NA) engine produces 52ps/6.1kgm, while the turbo engine delivers powerful driving performance of 64ps/10.2kgm. By improving combustion characteristics, these engines have improved performance in all aspects: fuel economy, driving performance, and environmental friendliness.
Of particular note is the adoption of “multiple sparks (multiple ignitions)”. This increases the combustion speed within the cylinder and suppresses knocking, improving fuel efficiency. Furthermore, by changing the shape of the injected fuel from granular to mist form, fuel adhesion within the port and combustion chamber is reduced, increasing the direct fuel entry rate into the cylinder. The adoption of high tumble straight ports further strengthens the vertical rotation of the mixture within the combustion chamber, increasing the combustion speed. The drive system is available in FF and 4WD, and the transmission is CVT.
Comprehensive safety equipment: peace of mind protected by advanced technology
The new Stella is equipped with the advanced safety system “Smart Assist” to maximize the safety of the driver, passengers, and pedestrians.
The Smart Assist system’s performance has been dramatically improved thanks to the incorporation of the latest stereo camera. In addition to the existing vehicle detection, the collision warning and collision avoidance assist braking functions now also support nighttime pedestrian detection and following motorcycle detection , with improved detection distance and response speed. This reduces the risk of collisions with pedestrians in dark places or motorcycles ahead.
In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a ” brake control with false start prevention function ” that prevents sudden acceleration in the unlikely event that the driver steps on the accelerator instead of the brake , preventing accidents caused by careless driver error.
Furthermore, the car is equipped with a full range of functions to reduce driver stress. The ” ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) ” now has a full-speed tracking function, automatically adjusting the speed to match the vehicle ahead, significantly reducing driver fatigue during long-distance or high-speed driving. It also comes equipped with ” Lane Keep Control (LKC) ,” which assists steering to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane, supporting safer and more comfortable driving.
Other features include a ” Panoramic View Monitor ” that uses four cameras mounted on the front, rear, left and right sides to check situations that are difficult to see from the driver’s seat, and a ” Smart Panorama Parking Assist (parking assistance system) ” that provides voice and screen assistance for steering when parking, supporting driving in parking lots and narrow alleys, allowing even those who are not confident in their driving to park with peace of mind.
In addition, the vehicle is equipped with the Plus Support (acceleration suppression during sudden acceleration) system , which suppresses acceleration when the vehicle accelerates suddenly when the door is unlocked with a special electronic card key . Regardless of whether there are obstacles or not, the system detects excessive or incorrect application of the accelerator and alerts the driver with an alarm and display, while also suppressing the vehicle’s acceleration, further contributing to improved safety.
In terms of collision safety performance, the new lightweight, highly rigid platform not only features a highly efficient energy absorption structure for the front side members, but also uses high-tensile steel plates to create a lightweight yet strong cabin, improving occupant protection in the event of a collision.In addition, in consideration of personal injury accidents, impact mitigation devices and absorption spaces have been installed in the front fenders and hood, improving pedestrian protection performance.
Significant improvement in fuel economy: Achieving both environmental friendliness and economy
The new Stella’s fuel economy has been significantly improved thanks to the adoption of a new generation powertrain.
- 660cc naturally aspirated engine: 22.6km/L (WLTC mode value)
- 660cc turbo engine: 21.5km/L (WLTC mode value)
Considering that the previous model’s naturally aspirated engine achieved a fuel efficiency of 20.7km/L, the new Stella’s naturally aspirated engine achieves 22.6km/L, an improvement of approximately 2km/L. This not only reduces daily gasoline costs but also contributes to reducing the environmental impact, further enhancing the car’s appeal as a mid-class minicar.
Release date and future prospects
The new Subaru Stella, which has undergone a full model change, was finally released on June 12, 2025 .
Subaru has positioned the new Stella as a “new generation” and plans to appeal to a wide range of users. Although it is an OEM model, the new Stella reflects Subaru’s commitment and safety philosophy in every aspect, and will be a car that presents a new option to the minicar market.
We will continue to pay close attention to future updates.
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