The 2013 GMC Yukon brings back a tried-and-true formula that has played to generally positive reviews from experts and customers alike through the years. The flip side is that the tried side of the formula is trending more and more toward tired. Good days for fans of large SUVs appear to be just around the corner: The Yukon has made the list of GMC vehicles that are in line for major updates late in 2013.

In the meantime, the 2013 GMC Yukon will likely once again be able to hold its own in the marketplace, thanks to its still-classy and somewhat conservative appearance combined with performance that offers a good dose of power teamed with a ride that is more comfortable than many expect from a big body-on-frame rig.

The market for large SUVs may be shrinking some as the buying public leans more toward fuel-friendlier crossovers, but setups like the 2013 GMC Yukon with its towing capacity of 8,200 pounds will often remain the choice of those looking to pull big toys and carry big crowds. That towing number can be pushed even a little higher by opting for the Yukon EL or Denali, which are reviewed separately.

The 2013 GMC Yukon can seat 9, though things get a bit tight in the third row. Buyers are more apt to go with bucket seats in the first and maybe even second row, dropping rider capacity to 7 or 8. The third-row seat does not fold flat to the floor, but it can be removed.

The 2013 GMC Yukon base SLE and the SLT, the next trim up, get a 5.3-liter V8 with a 6-speed automatic good for 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. They come with rear-wheel drive (RWD), but either can be set up with four-wheel drive (4WD). The 5.3-liter checks in with fuel mileage numbers of 15 mpg city/21 highway.

GMC sends the Yukon out as a Hybrid, too, boosting fuel numbers to 20/23. The Hybrid gives up little in the way of performance, the experts say, with a 332-hp 6.0-liter V8 with 367 lb-ft of torque. Its two-mode Hybrid system includes an electric motor and a substantial battery pack.

The 2013 GMC Yukon receives near unanimous praise for delivering a quiet, quality and comfortable ride. Experts appreciate the way it handles for a big rig, too, though most note that the steering is quite light, which does not appeal to everyone.

From the base SLE, and a starting point of just over $40,000, the 2013 GMC Yukons receive their share of goodies. The SLE starts it off with tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a stereo system with 9 Bose speakers. The SLT adds a rear-view camera, rear-parking sensors, a blind-spot monitoring system and leather seats. Heated and cooled front seats, a power moonroof, 20- or 22-inch wheels, a heavy-duty trailering package, a navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are among the other options available.

The 2013 GMC Yukon scores well in government and insurance industry safety tests. The seats are situated nicely to give the driver good visibility. The Yukon comes with electronic stability and traction control with trailer sway control and hill start assist, 4-wheel disc antilock brakes, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and side impact airbags for the front row.