How Does the Cadillac Lyriq Perform in a Car Seat Check? We Tested It.

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq earns high marks for car seat installation, with easy-to-access LATCH anchors and ample rear-seat space making it a strong choice for families. While it can't comfortably fit three car seats simultaneously with our test models, using narrower seats could make it possible.

For parents shopping for a new luxury electric vehicle, one of the most critical tests is how well it accommodates child safety seats. The Cadillac Lyriq, the brand's all-electric mid-size SUV, undergoes this rigorous evaluation. Based on our assessment experience using certified techniques and standard car seats, the Lyriq performs exceptionally well, scoring straight A's for its LATCH system and most car seat installations. The key takeaway is that this SUV offers a family-friendly cabin that simplifies the often-frustrating task of securing your child's seat.

How Accessible Is the Lyriq's LATCH System?

The Cadillac Lyriq’s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system earns a top Grade A for its thoughtful design and ease of use, a crucial factor for frequent car seat installation and removal.

The two sets of lower anchors in the outboard seating positions are conveniently located under hinged plastic covers, making them simple to find and connect to without digging between the seat cushions. The three top tether anchors—essential for securing forward-facing seats—are mounted on the back of the seat and are clearly marked, ensuring a straightforward and secure attachment. This high level of accessibility minimizes installation headaches and encourages proper, safe use of the car seat every time.

How Well Does the Lyriq Fit an Infant Car Seat?

Installing a rear-facing infant seat in the 2024 Lyriq is a straightforward process that results in a Grade A fit, with no compromise on front-passenger comfort.

In our test, a Chicco KeyFit 30 infant seat was easy to install securely. More importantly, even with the seat properly positioned behind the front passenger seat, a passenger who is 5 feet, 6 inches tall had plenty of legroom. There was no need to push the front seat uncomfortably forward, a common issue in many SUVs that can make long journeys unpleasant for adults. The Lyriq’s generous rear-seat legroom is a significant advantage for families with young children.

Can You Fit a Rear-Facing Convertible Seat Comfortably?

Similar to the infant seat, a rear-facing convertible car seat installs smoothly and earns an A grade, maintaining excellent space for both the child and the front passenger.

We tested with a Graco Contender 65 convertible seat in the rear-facing position. The installation was drama-free, and the seat fit well within the contours of the Lyriq's back seat. Critically, the fit did not impact the legroom of the front passenger, confirming that the Lyriq’s cabin is spacious enough to accommodate the deeper footprint of a convertible seat without sacrificing comfort for others in the vehicle.

What About a Forward-Facing Car Seat?

After a simple adjustment, the forward-facing convertible seat also fits perfectly, securing another Grade A for the Lyriq.

To achieve the best fit for a forward-facing Graco Contender 65, we removed the rear seat's head restraint. This allowed the car seat to sit flush against the vehicle's seatback, which is important for stability. The connection to the lower LATCH anchors and the top tether anchor was simple and secure. This hassle-free installation provides confidence that the seat is correctly installed for a growing child.

How Does the Lyriq Handle a Booster Seat?

The Lyriq receives a Grade B for its booster seat compatibility. While the seat itself fits well, the vehicle's seat belt buckles can be challenging for a child to manage independently.

We used a Graco TurboBooster seat for this test. After removing the head restraint to ensure a proper fit against the seatback, the booster sat securely. However, the Lyriq’s seat belt buckles are on long, flexible stalks. These "floppy stalks" can cause the buckle to fall behind the booster seat cushion, forcing a child to fish for it. This design may make it difficult for children to buckle themselves up without adult assistance, which is a consideration for parents of older children.

Can the Cadillac Lyriq Fit Three Car Seats Across the Second Row?

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq cannot reliably fit three of our standard test car seats side-by-side. However, it came very close, suggesting that using narrower, more compact car seat models could make a three-across configuration possible.

In our three-across test, we attempted to install the infant, forward-facing convertible, and booster seats simultaneously. While it was a tight squeeze, the primary limitation was the width of the specific seats we use for standardized testing. Based on our assessment experience, families needing to seat three children should research and select narrower car seat models. This approach would likely yield a successful and safe configuration in the Lyriq's relatively wide second row.

For parents considering the 2024-2025 Cadillac Lyriq, the key practical suggestions are:

• Confirm your specific car seats: Before purchasing, if possible, try installing your actual car seats in the Lyriq to ensure a perfect fit.
• Prioritize narrow models for three-across: If you need to fit three seats, look for car seats known for their narrow profiles.
• Practice booster buckle use: For children in booster seats, practice with the buckle stalks to see if they can manage them confidently.
• The Lyriq excels in ease of installation and space, making it a top-tier electric SUV for family duty.