From the Yahoo article, it said

"Four-wheel-drive versions will use a multimode transfer case that offers two Hi/Auto/4Hi/4Lo modes for maximum flexibility in varying conditions."

AUTO MODE? That sounds like the current system found in the Pathfinder. If it has that, then it could mean that the xterra have a center differential that is lockable. Is that true? I have always thought this was a part time only 4wd system.