When shopping for a new SUV, most people are naturally drawn to the enticing “starting at” price that manufacturers splash across advertisements.
It’s a smart marketing tactic—highlighting the lowest price point to attract attention and foot traffic. But what lies behind those base trims is often a mixed bag of surprises, both pleasant and disappointing.
Some automakers craft entry-level versions of their vehicles with genuine care and thoughtful inclusion, offering a high level of standard features, technology, and driving refinement without forcing buyers to climb the trim ladder.
Others, unfortunately, use the base trim as a price tag bait, stripping away everything of value to advertise a number, not a product.
The distinction between these two philosophies is crucial for buyers on a budget or anyone simply looking for honest value. A well-equipped base model can mean thousands saved without sacrificing comfort, safety, or daily usability.
But an underwhelming one can lead to buyer’s remorse, forcing consumers to either immediately upgrade or live with a vehicle that feels half-finished.
And in today’s automotive landscape, the gap between the best and worst base trims has never been more visible.
With safety becoming increasingly non-negotiable, infotainment systems evolving into digital hubs, and even mid-range SUVs offering quasi-luxury experiences, base trims can no longer afford to be excuses for mediocrity.
In this article, we dive into two very different categories of base trim SUVs. First, we celebrate five standout models that surprise and delight with their thoughtful inclusion of premium or highly useful features right out of the gate.
These SUVs don’t just do the minimum—they offer all-wheel drive, active safety systems, quality interiors, and tech that make driving enjoyable, not just possible.
Whether it’s a surprisingly upscale infotainment system, real off-road capability, or a solid safety package, these base trims go beyond expectations and provide real-world value that stands the test of ownership.
On the other side of the spectrum, we’ll expose five base trim SUVs that serve as cautionary tales. These models may be low on price, but they’re even lower on value. Missing critical features, relying on outdated powertrains, or offering cabins that feel decades behind, these vehicles exemplify the worst kind of corner-cutting.
Often targeted at rental fleets or shoppers focused purely on price, these base trims don’t just lack luxury—they lack basics. In some cases, even common features like cruise control, touchscreen infotainment, or proper rear-seat ventilation are left off the table, making for a frustrating and uncomfortable ownership experience.
For the average buyer, especially those not planning to lease or quickly flip the vehicle, the base trim is more than just a foot in the door—it may be the car they live with for years. That makes choosing the right one all the more critical.
Getting tricked into a poorly equipped base model can result in immediate dissatisfaction and added cost, while selecting a feature-rich base trim can lead to thousands in savings with no real sacrifices. It’s not just about what you pay at the dealership—it’s about what you get for that money once you’re on the road.
So, whether you’re a cost-conscious buyer looking for maximum bang for your buck or just someone trying to avoid making a regretful mistake, this guide is for you.
We’ll break down the five best base trim SUVs that surprise with hidden premium features and the five worst that offer nothing useful, providing a clear-eyed look at which ones deserve your attention—and which ones should be avoided at all costs.
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5 SUVs in Base Trims With Hidden Premium Features
While many automakers use base trims as a stripped-down excuse to flash a low MSRP, some SUVs quietly pack unexpected premium features even in their entry-level configurations.
These vehicles don’t just check the boxes—they deliver surprising value, often offering features you’d expect from higher trims or even luxury vehicles. Let’s explore five base-trim SUVs that overdeliver, making them smart buys for shoppers who care about quality, usability, and hidden luxuries, without paying top-tier prices.
1. Hyundai Tucson SE (Current Generation)
At first glance, the Hyundai Tucson SE may seem like your typical entry-level compact SUV, but it’s anything but basic once you get inside. Hyundai has packed its base trim with enough technology and comfort to make it feel like a mid-tier or even premium offering in some rival lineups.
The Tucson SE comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a significant perk considering that many competing SUVs require mid-level trims—or even optional packages—to unlock this convenience.
It also includes LED headlights, automatic high beams, and Hyundai’s comprehensive SmartSense safety suite, which bundles features like lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, forward collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control.
Where the Tucson SE really shines is in the little details. The interior materials, though not luxurious, are thoughtfully chosen.
There are soft-touch surfaces in all the right places, a quiet cabin structure, and a refined sense of layout that gives the impression of a vehicle in a higher class. Even the design of the dashboard and the layout of controls reflect an attention to detail rarely seen in base models.
There’s a sense of sophistication in how the cabin functions and flows—something Hyundai has mastered in recent years. More impressively, rear-seat passengers aren’t forgotten. Air vents for the second row and a generous cargo area help make the Tucson SE a very family-friendly choice, even at the entry level.
In terms of real-world value, the Tucson SE punches well above its price tag. With a class-leading warranty (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage) and thoughtful features integrated into the standard trim, it becomes an easy recommendation for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to settle for barebones transport. It proves that base trims don’t have to be boring—and that even affordable SUVs can deliver comfort, tech, and peace of mind in a well-rounded package.
2. Subaru Forester Base
Subaru’s vehicles have always carved a unique niche in the SUV market by combining rugged utility with practical, safety-first engineering, and the Forester Base trim continues that tradition with quiet confidence.
Right out of the gate, it offers standard all-wheel drive—a rarity in a segment where AWD is often locked behind mid-level or premium trims.
Even more impressively, Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes included, delivering features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. These aren’t just convenient; they’re potentially life-saving, and they come without the need to upgrade or add costly packages.
The Forester’s base trim doesn’t scream luxury, but it feels expensive in the ways that count. The tall greenhouse and upright seating create an open, airy cabin that is highly functional for passengers of all sizes. Visibility is stellar—almost panoramic—something you rarely get in modern SUVs obsessed with sloping rooflines and tiny rear windows.
In terms of cabin quality, Subaru keeps things minimal but solid. The seats are well-cushioned, the materials are durable and pleasant to touch, and nothing feels like it was cheaply glued in to meet a price target. The attention to ergonomics is impressive, making it a car that’s easy to live with day in and day out.
Beyond its mechanical and safety advantages, the Forester base model includes thoughtful touches like roof rails, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a rearview camera with excellent visibility, which is enhanced by Subaru’s famously low beltline and large rear windows.
In a world where base trims often mean compromises, Subaru delivers a Forester that is not only livable but enjoyable, even at its most affordable level. It’s a testament to the brand’s philosophy of building vehicles for people, not just price points.
3. Toyota RAV4 LE
Toyota’s RAV4 is a household name, and while its higher trims are often praised for luxury and tech, the base LE trim should not be underestimated.
It’s surprisingly well-equipped for its role as an entry-level vehicle, featuring Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which brings with it a suite of premium safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking.
You’ll also find LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a robust infotainment setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, giving the LE trim the kind of feature set you’d expect from more expensive rivals.
But it’s not just about safety and screens—the RAV4 LE offers a solid, refined ride and an interior that, while understated, is sensibly designed and impressively quiet. Toyota has put in the work to ensure that the driving experience remains composed and smooth, even with the base engine and suspension setup.
The ride quality is particularly noteworthy, soaking up road imperfections better than many of its competitors. The interior is built to last, with smart storage solutions and quality switches and buttons that don’t scream “budget.”
Perhaps the most “hidden” value in the RAV4 LE is its rear-seat livability and practical design. Unlike many entry-level trims that skip rear-seat vents or cargo features, the RAV4 LE includes vents and a 60/40 split rear seat with good reclining angles and rear legroom.
The cabin feels intentionally versatile, and Toyota’s smart packaging makes this version of the RAV4 far more family- and commute-friendly than many vehicles in its price bracket. For buyers who want “just the basics” without giving up comfort, convenience, or safety, the RAV4 LE offers a no-compromise option.
4. Mazda CX-5 2.5 S (Base)
Mazda has built a reputation for delivering upmarket design and refinement without upmarket pricing, and the base CX-5 2.5 S is a prime example of that philosophy.
Even in this entry-level form, the CX-5 stuns with a genuinely premium interior, including high-quality seat fabrics, soft-touch dashboard materials, and a modern, minimalistic layout that feels like it was borrowed from a luxury brand.
The most shocking feature? A 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment system that dwarfs what most competitors offer even in their mid-trim packages. While it’s controlled via a rotary dial instead of touch, the system is fluid, modern, and paired with a crisp digital display.
Standard all-wheel drive gives the base CX-5 serious traction and all-weather confidence—a rarity in base compact SUVs.
Mazda also includes a long list of active safety features as standard: radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning with lane keep assist.
Most of these are locked behind upper trims in other brands, but Mazda refuses to nickel-and-dime buyers, choosing instead to deliver real value at the base.
Where the CX-5 truly surprises, though, is in its driving dynamics. The suspension tuning, steering feedback, and cabin insulation are so good that the base model doesn’t feel “entry-level” at all behind the wheel.
Whether you’re commuting or road-tripping, it provides an unexpectedly quiet, composed, and engaging experience that rivals small luxury crossovers.
The CX-5 2.5 S is a vehicle where the base model isn’t just good enough—it’s exceptional, offering value, sophistication, and poise far beyond what its price tag might suggest.
5. Ford Bronco Sport Base
Rugged, capable, and brimming with personality, the Ford Bronco Sport Base trim defies all expectations of what a “base model” SUV should be. Unlike many entry-level vehicles that sacrifice performance or flair to hit a price point, the Bronco Sport starts strong.
It comes standard with a standard 4×4, five GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes, and a turbocharged 1.5L EcoBoost engine, giving it real off-road chops even before you start adding options. This isn’t just a badge job—it’s a genuinely capable adventure vehicle with trail-rated DNA, right from the factory floor.
Inside, the Bronco Sport Base is no slouch either. It features a smartly designed interior with durable, easy-to-clean surfaces, clever storage cubbies, and a configurable cargo area with rear floodlights, tie-downs, and even a bottle opener embedded in the hatch.
The infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen powered by Ford’s Sync 3, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For a base trim, the tech and layout are surprisingly modern and thoughtfully organized.
But what elevates the Bronco Sport Base is its character. It feels different from the sea of anonymous crossovers, even before you climb into higher trims.
Whether it’s the rugged styling, the sense of playfulness in its design, or the actual trail-ready gear it includes from the outset, this is one of the rare base trims that feels complete and confident, not like a compromise.
It’s the proof that you don’t need to spend $40,000 to get a lifestyle-ready SUV—you can start right at the ground level and still get something bold, functional, and undeniably cool.
5 SUVs in Base Trims With Nothing Useful
While the SUVs in the previous list prove that great value can be found even in the entry-level trims, not all manufacturers take that approach. In fact, many base trims are stripped down to the point of being barely usable, often included in lineups only to advertise an appealing “starting price.”
These base models tend to lack essential comfort, convenience, and even safety features that are now considered industry standard.
If you’re a buyer hoping to avoid gimmicks, marketing fluff, and disappointment behind the wheel, these are the SUVs whose base trims you’ll want to steer clear of—unless you plan on upgrading immediately.
1. Jeep Compass Sport
The Jeep Compass Sport base trim is the definition of “don’t be fooled by the badge.” Jeep’s brand strength might imply ruggedness and utility, but the base Compass is more bark than bite.
Even as competitors pack their entry trims with driver assistance and comfort tech, the Compass Sport limps along with manual seat adjustments, no keyless entry, and a basic 7-inch infotainment screen that feels outdated on arrival.
It doesn’t even include features like blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control unless you fork over extra cash or move up a trim level. For a vehicle that wears a premium nameplate, this kind of sparsity feels especially cynical.
It’s not just about missing features—it’s the feeling of cheapness that permeates the cabin. Plasticky finishes dominate the dashboard and door panels, and even the seats lack the kind of padding and support you’d expect in a modern SUV. The Compass Sport’s driving experience is also lackluster.
The base engine—a 2.4L inline-4—is coarse and sluggish, struggling to move the vehicle with any urgency. The handling is numb, and while the exterior styling may hint at adventure, the actual road feel is anything but inspiring. You’re getting a decent-looking shell, but not much substance inside it.
Perhaps the most frustrating thing about the Compass Sport is how little Jeep has done to evolve it over the years. While rivals like Hyundai, Toyota, and Subaru continue to innovate in their base trims, the Compass clings to outdated tech and cuts corners on ride comfort and noise isolation.
It’s a base trim that looks decent parked, but quickly reveals itself to be shallow once you open the doors or hit the road. If you want a Jeep experience that delivers on the brand’s promise, expect to skip this trim altogether.
2. Chevrolet Trax LS (Previous Generation)
While the new-generation Chevrolet Trax has improved in virtually every way, the previous-generation Trax LS base trim earned its place on this list with gusto. It was often sold in fleets and rental lots, where expectations are low, but for personal ownership, it’s hard to justify.
The base LS lacked even cruise control on certain models, a shocking omission in the 2010s and downright inexcusable by today’s standards. The infotainment system was minimal, rear-seat comfort was subpar, and the interior materials were straight out of the “hard plastic era” of GM design.
The LS trim delivered a driving experience that was passable at best. Its powertrain—a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder—offered just enough power to get you from point A to B, but with sluggish acceleration and a growly tone that made highway merging a stress test.
Ride quality was middling, and while it handled well in tight city streets due to its compact size, that’s about the only category it didn’t underperform. There were no advanced driver aids, no rear seat amenities, and the presentation felt like something GM put together to compete on price alone—value and quality be damned.
The cabin was cramped, particularly in the rear. Despite its SUV label, the previous-gen Trax LS felt more like a tall hatchback with limited cargo utility and poor ergonomics. The dashboard was uninspired, storage was limited, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anything inside that felt like a thought-out user experience.
The only redeeming feature? A low price tag. But that came at a steep cost in comfort, performance, and long-term desirability. Buyers drawn in by the bargain often regretted not spending a bit more on literally anything else.
3. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES
The Outlander Sport ES, Mitsubishi’s attempt at an affordable compact SUV, feels like a vehicle designed for a different decade. While it may look reasonably athletic from the outside, the base trim reveals just how aggressively Mitsubishi cuts corners to hit a rock-bottom price.
The ES trim skips virtually all the modern must-haves: no advanced driver aids, a weak infotainment interface, manual seat adjustments, and a low-rent cabin dominated by rough plastics and bland textures. In a time when safety and comfort tech are becoming the norm even in economy cars, this SUV feels embarrassingly behind.
The performance is equally uninspired. The 2.0-liter engine mated to a sluggish CVT transmission results in an anemic, noisy driving experience that feels antiquated.
Throttle response is lazy, and road noise penetrates the cabin to a distracting degree. Even at low speeds, it lacks refinement, and on the highway, it struggles to keep up with faster-moving traffic.
The suspension tuning is soft but not in a good way—it bounces over imperfections and lacks the composure of virtually every rival on the market. It’s not that it’s actively bad in one category; it’s just subpar across the board.
Where the Outlander Sport ES really loses points is in long-term livability. Basic things like rear-seat vents, center armrests, and adjustable rear headrests are often missing, and even in front, comfort is minimal.
Add to that a lack of rear visibility and no active safety tech as standard, and you’re left with a base trim that feels a generation (or two) out of date. Mitsubishi may advertise affordability, but in this case, that comes at the expense of function and desirability. It’s a base trim that should’ve been retired years ago.
4. Nissan Kicks S
The Nissan Kicks S has often been praised for being affordable, stylish, and efficient, but its base trim fails to meet even modest expectations for comfort and usability. While the Kicks gets better as you move up trims, the S version is an exercise in cutting costs.
The front seats are firm, there’s no center console armrest, and even the driver’s seat lacks height adjustment—a simple feature that makes a big difference in comfort and visibility. Worse still, cruise control was omitted in early base models, a head-scratcher in an era when it’s standard on many subcompacts.
The powertrain, a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with a CVT, offers decent fuel economy but little else. The driving experience is flat and unremarkable, with a coarse engine note and a lack of urgency under acceleration.
While it’s nimble around town, highway driving exposes its flaws—wind noise becomes pronounced, the engine strains to maintain higher speeds, and the ride quality diminishes over rougher surfaces. You quickly realize that the Kicks S was not built for more than short city commutes, and even those can wear thin after a while.
Interior materials are another weak point. The dashboard and doors are lined with unyielding plastic, the steering wheel lacks any tactile appeal, and the infotainment system is dated and sluggish.
Yes, the S trim offers a low price, and the Kicks’ fuel economy is admirable—but those benefits are quickly offset by the number of features missing, the lackluster drive, and the limited comfort. If you’re set on a Kicks, the higher trims are far more livable—but the S trim is little more than a shell.
5. Dodge Journey SE (Discontinued, but notorious)
Even though the Dodge Journey SE has finally been laid to rest, it lives on in infamy as one of the worst base trims in recent memory. For years, it served as a fleet special, offering ultra-low pricing with a long list of omitted features that most buyers would consider essential.
We’re talking no touchscreen, manual climate control, no rear air vents, steel wheels, and a woefully underpowered 2.4-liter engine mated to a dated 4-speed automatic transmission. It was practically a time capsule from the early 2000s—minus the nostalgia.
From the driver’s seat, the SE feels cheap in every sense of the word. The interior was dominated by untextured, brittle plastics, the seats lacked any kind of contour or lumbar support, and even simple conveniences like push-button start were reserved for upper trims.
Rear passengers were especially neglected, with zero comfort features and barely any room to stretch out. It was the kind of vehicle where you could immediately tell that it was built to satisfy rental fleets rather than consumers with actual expectations.
What made the Journey SE so frustrating is that it stuck around for way too long. Dodge continued to sell this trim well into the 2020s, long after it had become obsolete. By then, competitors had moved on to offering advanced driver aids, powerful turbocharged engines, and premium-feeling interiors even at the base level.
Meanwhile, the Journey SE was still stuck with the same outdated platform, poor safety scores, and an equipment list that read like a used car from 2007. It became a cautionary tale: base trims can save you money, but they can also waste your time—and your patience.
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In the world of modern SUVs, base trims offer more than just a starting point—they reveal a manufacturer’s priorities. Some brands understand that buyers at all price levels deserve safety, functionality, and a degree of comfort, while others use base models as a bare-bones billboard to advertise the lowest possible number.
This divide is striking and often overlooked by buyers dazzled by exterior design or lured in by competitive pricing. But as we’ve explored in this deep dive, the difference between a great base trim and a disappointing one can define your entire ownership experience.
The five standout SUVs we looked at—like the Hyundai Tucson SE, Subaru Forester Base, and Mazda CX-5 2.5 S—prove that value doesn’t have to mean compromise.
These models deliver more than just mobility; they offer refinement, practicality, and technology that were once considered luxury-level.
Whether it’s the inclusion of full safety suites, touchscreen infotainment systems, or intelligent design that makes daily driving more pleasant, these SUVs show that you don’t have to overspend to get a solid, well-rounded vehicle.
They are proof that with the right engineering philosophy, base trims can actually be the smartest choice in the lineup—not just the cheapest.
On the flip side, the SUVs with underwhelming base trims—such as the Dodge Journey SE, Jeep Compass Sport, or older Chevrolet Trax LS—tell a cautionary tale. They are reminders that low price often comes at a high cost in usability, comfort, and long-term satisfaction.
These vehicles were stripped of even basic expectations: outdated transmissions, missing safety equipment, or uncomfortable cabins that make daily driving a chore.
Buying these base trims means paying less and getting even less, a dangerous proposition in a competitive market where better-equipped alternatives are easily within reach.
Ultimately, the lesson here isn’t just about features—it’s about respect for the buyer. The best base trims are created by brands that respect every customer, not just the ones opting for high-end configurations.
These companies understand that a vehicle should be safe, functional, and enjoyable to drive regardless of trim level.
They don’t punish you for shopping the base model; they reward you for trusting the brand. Meanwhile, the worst offenders take the opposite approach.
They assume budget-conscious shoppers will settle, and they treat the base model as little more than a number on a spreadsheet, forgetting that real people are behind every purchase.
As a car buyer, especially in the current economy where every dollar matters, it’s vital to look beyond the sticker price and investigate what each trim level actually offers. Read spec sheets, test drive the base models, and ask yourself what it would cost to add missing features or to live without them.
Sometimes, stepping up to the next trim makes more financial sense in the long run. Other times, you’ll find that a carefully engineered base model like the Mazda CX-5 or Ford Bronco Sport gives you everything you need, with no need to pay for unnecessary extras.
Base trims can be brilliant or bare. The key is knowing which ones offer true value and which ones just save face for the rest of the lineup. As the market continues to evolve—and as more buyers become savvy to these tactics—we’ll hopefully see even more automakers elevate their entry-level offerings.
Until then, use this guide as your roadmap to avoid regret and drive home a base model that feels like a complete car. After all, the real worth of a vehicle isn’t just in what it costs—it’s in what it gives you, every time you turn the key.
