During a recent kid-free weekend, I happened to be test driving the 2010 Infiniti FX35. For the grown-ups-only weekend, I decided to do a trek from Denver to Steamboat Springs, Colo. As much as I was hoping for a break from my normal life as mom - always playing catch-up - the FX35 kept me in catch-up mode.

A lag in the FX35's acceleration combined with super-soft brakes made me feel like I had to read the mind of the driver in front of me and mentally drive two seconds ahead of the game. This proved to be as draining as cleaning my house with my daughters on my heels messing it up again. The FX35's steering felt heavy and unresponsive, and its stiff sports-car-like ride made day-to-day errands more of a chore than they already are.

Filling up the thirsty FX also grew tiresome. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy 16/21 mpg city/ highway and a premium fuel requirement, filling up this baby was more of an expensive chore than I had anticipated.

In the real world, the worst consequence to my constant game of catch-up is a laundry room full off dirty clothes and no milk in the fridge for breakfast. In the Infiniti, the stakes were a little pricier. Jeez, I need a nap just reflecting on it.

• Exterior
• Sense and style
• Interior
• It's the little things that count
• Safety
• Family lifestage