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Are there any minivans besides the Toyota Sienna that has All Wheel Drive
- Thread starter fatherof3
- Start date
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The Sienna is pretty much it in terms of current minivan models, with an AWD option in the 7-passenger version only. AWD isn't available on the 8-passenger Sienna models. I'm not sure if this will be true of the redesigned 2011 model Sienna due out later next year. FWIW, the rear headrests appear to have been redesigned in an effort to improve crash protection based on photos posted in the Car Safety forum's 2011 Sienna thread. There were a couple of discontinued minivan models with optional AWD. Earlier Chrysler/Dodge minivans, pre-2008 model year or possibly even earlier, I'm blanking a bit on the specific model year range for those, had optional AWD. Depending on how early you have to go to find one, it could pre-date the timeframe when side curtain airbags were available options on the Chrysler minivan models, potentially sacrificing crash safety performance for the AWD feature.
I believe the discontinued GM minivan siblings, the Chevy Uplander, Buick Terrazza, Saturn Relay and the Pontiac SV6, also had optional AWD. These GM minivan models were essentially slightly updated Chevy Venture clones with less than stellar crash scores compared to competing minivans, and are also frequently lamented as not very carseat friendly here on the forum, though. Instead of AWD, you could also consider a FWD vehicle with traction control and stability control, and switch out the standard tires to snow tires during the winter months if you're in a snowy region and must drive when the roads are at their worst. :twocents: I live in the snowy north and get by with a FWD Sienna w/traction and stability control and the OEM all season tires, with the caveat that I'm a SAHM who doesn't always have to venture out in the worst winter conditions, barring emergencies. My previous vehicle was a '03 Saturn Vue with AWD. The AWD came in handy one instance where I had to get to the hospital after a blizzard, but otherwise it was overkill IMHO. :twocents:
You're broadening your car search from SUVs and crossovers to minivans, I see.
There were a couple of discontinued minivan models with optional AWD. Earlier Chrysler/Dodge minivans, pre-2008 model year or possibly even earlier, I'm blanking a bit on the specific model year range for those, had optional AWD. Depending on how early you have to go to find one, it could pre-date the timeframe when side curtain airbags were available options on the Chrysler minivan models, potentially sacrificing crash safety performance for the AWD feature.
Instead of AWD, you could also consider a FWD vehicle with traction control and stability control, and switch out the standard tires to snow tires during the winter months if you're in a snowy region and must drive when the roads are at their worst. :twocents: I live in the snowy north and get by with a FWD Sienna w/traction and stability control and the OEM all season tires, with the caveat that I'm a SAHM who doesn't always have to venture out in the worst winter conditions, barring emergencies. My previous vehicle was a '03 Saturn Vue with AWD. The AWD came in handy one instance where I had to get to the hospital after a blizzard, but otherwise it was overkill IMHO. :twocents:
great information. the sienna has had poor rear crash ratings for many years and I am buying this year to take advantage of tax savings since we need it anyway in the next few months.
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