RainPine

Hello,

I am a little confused about the Lexus Hybrid AWD system, searching on google didn't really help me that much.
What I have understood is that the Lexus Hybrid AWD cars only have the electric motor powering the rear wheels and not the combination of gas and electric like it is in the front. If I'm right then my question is: how well does it compare to the non hybrid awd variants.

ukrkoz

Just fine. Surely, it is not a mechanical link between engine and rear wheels but it does very adequate.
Basically, what you have in the rear, is mini version of what you have in the front - Power Split Device. Just very simple. When you roll down the hill, BOTH ends will charge battery. When you simply coast or cruise or use normal acceleration, only FWD is operational. When you really step on it or front starts slipping - rear end kicks in and you have AWD system now.
There are quite a few vids of Highlander hybrid in the snow, so watch them. It's identical power train. Plenty of them sold in Russia and do fine.
Not particularly a towing monster though. Though guys with HiHy towed some pretty hefty loads, to be honest.