Yeah, there is. ABSURD racial powers.
Halflings force an attack reroll. When we have very few ways to boost attack and even fewer to boost defense, that's pretty good.
Monster races have it even better. Goblins get Evasive Reflexes 1/encounter, which was plenty good in 3.5; Kobolds are the only race that gets a free 5-foot step AND can take it an addition to a move. Gnomes? Once per encounter, they can TURN INVISIBLE.