Need new car after crash-a few questions

Hello, all-

Thank you for the work you do on this forum. My family was in a serious crash on Thursday. We are all unharmed and we feel that we fared so well in large part because of information we learned on these forums about safe cars and safe use of car seats. You are doing such a good thing.

We had an AWD Toyota Sienna that performed excellently in the crash but was totaled. We are leaning toward getting a 2006 used AWD Sienna available locally. Do you have any thoughts on this car or any other suggestions? I have been looking at crash test ratings and see that there are a few other vans that seem to do a little better, but as far as I can tell none of them have an AWD option. Because we live on a dirt road in an area with harsh winters, we really need the AWD. Are there any other AWD mini vans you would recommend?

We could also consider a different kind of vehicle (not a mini van) as long as it is AWD and can hold a bunch of kids (we have three of our own and like to be able to transport one or two more).

At this point, though, what we care about is safety, with the caveat that we need AWD.

Thank you for any thoughts and thank you for contributing to this forum.

Gratefully,
Elsy

If you want an AWD minivan, I think you're stuck with it. The Sienna is a great minivan and highly recommended on here. It comes in AWD like you need. You liked your old one. Why mess with success (assuming you have a choice)?