A little while ago, many people would avoid buying base variants, as they did not even offer basic features such as power windows, electronic ORVMs, music systems, and other essential features. However, fast forward to 2026, and things have changed a lot. Today, we have a number of new cars in the country which, even in the base trims, come loaded with features. As a result, we are sharing with you a list of the features offered by the base variants of the recently launched mid-size SUVs.
First off, let's start with the most affordable mid-size SUV currently on sale in India, and it is none other than the 2026 Renault Duster. The base variant of the new Duster has been priced at Rs 10.49 lakh. However, despite being the cheapest SUV, Renault has not skimped on features.
On the outside, the Duster Authentic variant comes equipped with all-LED lighting, which is very rare. It also gets 17-inch steel wheels with covers, which are decently sized. As for the features on the inside, the new base Duster gets a black cabin theme with grey stitching and also offers 60:40 split folding rear seats and rear AC vents, along with tilt and telescopic steering adjustment.
Other notable features include a 7-inch TFT driver display. Sadly, it does not come with any infotainment system. Now, although you may not be able to listen to music in the base variant of the Duster, you can be sure that you will be very safe. For safety, it gets 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control, Cornering Stability Control, TPMS, and Hill Start Assist.
Next up on the list is the Skoda Kushaq Classic, which has been priced at Rs 10.69 lakh. Before the launch of the Duster, it was the most affordable mid-size SUV for a very short duration. The base variant of the Kushaq, on the outside, gets 16-inch alloy wheels and halogen headlights. Now, they may seem cheap on paper, but they do look very good in real life.
Coming to the interior, this is where the Kushaq gets better. It comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It also gets manual AC with rear AC vents, a height-adjustable driver seat, fabric upholstery, and fabric door trims.
Other notable highlights include an auto engine start-stop system, a 3.5-inch MID, and the most important feature, a single-pane electric sunroof. Yes, you read that right. Safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, Traction Control, TPMS, and rear parking sensors. The base variant also gets rear parking sensors as well.
Now, if you are someone who wants the latest technology and features in the base variant, then you should opt for the Kia Seltos HTE. The base variant of the Seltos is priced at Rs 10.99 lakh, and its cabin is one of the most premium and modern. The biggest highlight is its massive 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is the largest screen offered here at the base trim level.
It also gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is another added convenience feature. Another major highlight is the huge 12-inch driver display, USB-C charging ports at both the front and rear, cruise control, and a height-adjustable driver seat. The Seltos also gets electrically adjustable ORVMs, a rearview camera, and flush-type door handles.
In terms of braking setup, it gets all-wheel disc brakes. Coming to the safety features, it comes equipped with 6 airbags, ESC, Hill Start Assist, and TPMS. It also gets a passenger airbag on/off switch. Overall, it is one of the most jam-packed base variants on this list.
The Volkswagen Taigun facelift has also been recently launched, and its base Comfortline variant is priced at Rs 10.99 lakh. Now, unlike the Kushaq, which is its sibling, the Taigun base trim gets automatic climate control. It also gets a rear wiper, washer, and defogger setup. It also gets LED headlamps with auto levelling and LED DRLs.
At the rear, it comes with LED tail lamps with sequential turn indicators. Other notable highlights include a 7-inch touchscreen with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a 6-speaker sound system, a height-adjustable driver seat, and an idle start-stop system as standard. Safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, TPMS, and rear parking sensors.
Last on this list is the Tata Sierra Smart+, which is the most expensive SUV on this list of base variant models. It starts at Rs 11.49 lakh for the Smart Plus variant. Coming to the features, the Sierra is the only SUV on this list which gets push-button start-stop on the base trim. It also gets an electric tailgate release and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.
On the outside, it comes equipped with Bi-LED projector headlights along with Follow-Me-Home functionality. It also gets LED DRLs and LED tail lamps, which add to the premium appeal. The Sierra base trim also gets 17-inch steel wheels, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and rear window shades.
Apart from these, it comes with 45W Type-C fast charging and a 4-inch MID on the instrument cluster. It also comes with all-wheel disc brakes, rear sensors, and a rearview camera. On the safety front, it comes loaded with 6 airbags, ESP, Traction Control, and Hill Hold Assist.