This week we share our first impressions of the 2021 Genesis GV80, we go through the specs  and talk about whether this luxury SUV has what it takes to challenge some of the highly established competitors like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, and Cadillac XT6. Also Volkswagen recently announced the all-new Taos for 2022, our experts discuss where it fits within the Volkswagen SUV lineup and if the automotive industry needs another small SUV. We also answer audience questions about whether or not it's possible to purchase a vehicle directly from the manufacturer and bypass the dealer, how to prepare a car for a long trip after its been sitting in a garage for half a year, as well as how maintenance costs compare between plug-in hybrid, pure electric, and gas-only vehicles.     ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!   From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!   We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/   Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6     SHOW NOTES -----------------------------------   00:00 - Introduction 00:41 - 2022 Volkswagen Taos Preview 05:55 - 2021 Genesis GV80 First Impressions 14:53 - Question #1: Is it possible to purchase a car directly from the manufacturer? 19:43 - Question #2: Does CR data suggest that after sorting out big issues on an unreliable vehicle that the car will last for some time after? 21:00 - Question #3: How to prepare a car for a long trip after it has been sitting in a garage for half a year? 22:26 - Question #4: How does maintenance cost compare between plug-in hybrid, pure electric, and gas-only vehicles.        ----------------------------------    Coronavirus Resource Hub https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/   Preview: 2022 Volkswagen Taos SUV Squeezes Signature Bond Features Into a Small Package https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-volkswagen-taos-review/   Preview: Sleek and Sporty 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Electric SUV Revealed https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2021-volkswagen-id4-review/   New 2021 Genesis GV80 Is a Stylish 3-Row Luxury SUV https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-genesis-gv80-is-stylish-three-row-luxury-suv/   First Drive: Freshened, Swanky Audi Q7 Is Brimming With Technology https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-audi-q7-review/   2019 BMW X5 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3jBWOUPsfA   2016 Volvo XC90 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyQWKK3nUlw   2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Cadillac XT6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL0Z8wAgBkY   2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Lincoln Aviator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tofCkqNkBNQ   2018 Lexus RX350L Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTrmC8jw57o   Prep Your Car for Winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3rczMZsN0g   2018 Mazda6 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dANxqmrKcnc   2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI   2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Mazda3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRfZ-oO3qpM   -----------------------------------   Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez    Follow Us on Social: Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ