For 2013, the GMC Yukon sees no changes of note.

By now, most folks know that the differences between the 2013 GMC Yukon and the Chevy Tahoe are mostly in the way they comb their hair. These essentially identical twins from GM differ only in minor styling of the front and rear ends, so they share the same strengths and weaknesses when it comes to real-world utility. Fortunately, for those seeking a rugged, full-size SUV, there are much more of the former than the latter.

With standard V8 power and a burly frame, the GMC Yukon is ready for hard work, whether that's transporting up to nine passengers or towing up to 8,500 pounds. Thanks to a reasonably composed ride on the highway and a handsome, welcoming cabin, the Yukon stands as one of the top picks among the dwindling number of truck-based SUVs.

The 2013 GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV with three rows of seats that can accommodate as many as nine people. There are three trim levels available: SLE, SLT and Denali. There is a Hybrid version as well as an extended-length version known as the Yukon XL; both are both covered in separate reviews.

The SLE comes standard with 17-inch wheels, roof rails, automatic headlights, running boards, heated outside mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, six-way power front bucket seats (manual recline), a leather-wrapped tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth, OnStar and a nine-speaker Bose sound system with satellite radio, iPod/USB interface, auxiliary audio jack, CD player and rear seat headphone jacks. The SLE can be optioned with a 40/20/40-split three-person front bench seat that raises seating capacity from eight to nine people. A Convenience package adds rear parking sensors, remote engine start, a rearview camera (with mirror display) and power-adjustable pedals.

The SLT adds foglamps, leather upholstery, the Convenience package and the expanded availability of optional content. Options include an Off-Road Suspension package, heated eight-way power front seats with driver memory, ventilated front seats, second-row captain's chairs and a navigation system (with real-time traffic, music storage and an auto-dimming rearview mirror). The SLT-2 Equipment package adds a power liftgate, power-folding mirrors, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats and a second-row power seat release.