Andrew
I am glad that your wife is okay. Crowded between a semi and the median must have been pretty frightening for her.
I personally like the TPMS system, as long as it gives the driver the necessary info. My Mini Coopers will tell you which one is low, but not the pressure. My truck tells you the pressure in each one, and will display which is low. Are they accurate? No, they're not, but the can be used for trending. My preference would always be the ones in the valve stem, if any at all. Any new car is going to give you a wealth of info. The new Scion, or whatever replaced it, will be much more advanced than a 2006 model.
My personal belief is that it is the type, composition, and geometry, of a tire that has the most significant effect on handling. I gave up on "All season" tires many years ago and now have different sets of wheels and tires for each car and the truck. Both Mini Coopers have Winter/summer sets and the truck has the sets for towing and non towing. I also want to get a set for winter for the truck.
"The first thing you need to know, will likely be the last thing you learn." (Unknown)