2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ Seats and Seat Belts User Guide
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ’s cutting-edge seat belt and seating technologies combine elegance and innovation. Every element, from high-end materials to improved safety features, is planned for optimal comfort and security, guaranteeing every traveler a first-rate experience.
Head Restraints
The vehicle’s front seats have adjustable head restraints in the outboard seating positions.
Warning
With head restraints that are not installed and adjusted properly, there is a greater chance that occupants will suffer a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.
If your vehicle has rear head restraints that fold down, always return them to the full upright position whenever an occupant is seated in the seat.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint is at the same height as the top of the occupant’s head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.
Front Seats
The vehicle’s front seats have adjustable head restraints in the outboard seating positions.
The height of the head restraint can be adjusted.
To raise or lower the head restraint, press the button located on the side of the head restraint and pull up or push the head restraint down, and release the button. Pull and push on the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place.
The front seat outboard head restraints are not removable.
Second Row Seats
Non Executive Seats
The non executive second row head restraints are designed to be folded.
When folding the second row seatbacks down, the head restraint will automatically fold out of the way as the seat is folded down.
The head restraint can be folded forward to allow for better visibility when the rear seat is unoccupied.
To fold the head restraint, press the button on the side of the head restraint.
The head restraint will fold forward automatically.
When an occupant or child restraint is in the seat, always return the head restraint to the full upright position. Push the head restraint up and rearward until it locks into place. Push and pull on the head restraint to make sure that it is locked.
The second row head restraints are not removable.
Executive Seats
Executive second row seats have adjustable head restraints. To raise/lower the head restraint/headrest, press the button located on the side of the head restraint, and push the head restraint up/ down. Try to move the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place.
Always adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint is at the same height as the top of the occupant’s head.
The second row head restraints are not removable.
Third Row Seats
The vehicle’s third row seats have head restraints in the outboard seating positions that cannot be adjusted up or down.
The third row outboard head restraints are not removable.
The third row outboard head restraints are designed to be folded.
When folding the third row seatbacks down, the head restraint will automatically fold out of the way as the seat is folded down.
When an occupant or child restraint is in the seat, always return the head restraint to the full upright position. Push the head restraint up and rearward until it locks into place. Push and pull on the head restraint to make sure that it is locked.
The vehicle’s third row seat has an adjustable head restraint in the center seating position.
The height of the head restraint can be adjusted.
Pull the head restraint up to raise it. Try to move the head restraint to make sure that it is locked in place.
To lower the head restraint, press the button located on the top of the seatback and push the head restraint down. Try to move the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place.
The third row center head restraint is not removable.
Front Seats
Power Seat Adjustment
Warning
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a driver seat while the vehicle is moving. Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
Warning
The power seats will work with the vehicle off. Children could operate the power seats and be injured. Never leave children alone in the vehicle.
To adjust the front seat with the manual control:
- Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding the control forward or rearward.
- Tilt the front part of the seat cushion up or down by moving the front of the control up or down.
- Raise or lower the entire seat by moving the rear of the control up or down.
To adjust on the front center display screen, select
> Position > Position. Touch the seat for additional adjustment features.
Warning
If equipped, the second row passenger can create more legroom by moving the front passenger seat with controls located on the rear center display screen. To prevent serious injury or death in a crash, do not permit a rear seat passenger to move the front seat if someone is seated there. Disable the controls by activating Rear Control Lock from the front center display screen.
To adjust the front passenger seat from the rear center display screen, select
To activate the Rear Control Lock on the front center display screen to prevent second row passengers from using the rear center display
screen, select
> Safety > Rear Control Lock.
The front center display screen can also be used to adjust rear executive seats, if equipped.
To adjust the lumbar support
Reclining Seatbacks
Warning
Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the seat belts cannot do their job.
The shoulder belt will not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.
The lap belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries.
For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear the seat belt properly.
Do not have a seatback reclined if the vehicle is moving.
To recline the seat with the manual control:
- Move the control back to recline.
- Move the control forward to raise.
To recline the seat with the front center display screen:
Select> Position > Position and touch the seat image.
Lumbar Adjustment
To manually adjust lumbar support:
- Press
to adjust lumbar forward or rearward. - Press
to adjust lumbar up or down. To adjust with the front center display screen:
Select> Position > Adjustments and touch the seat to adjust.
Bolster Support
To adjust bolster support on the front center display screen, if equipped:
Select
Massage
Driver Seat Shown, Passenger Seat Similar
If equipped, the vehicle must be on to use the massage feature.
To activate and adjust massage using the door panel control:
- Rotate the center of the control to activate the massage screen on the front center display screen.
- To turn massage off or to activate massage at last massage type and intensity settings, press the center of the control.
The massage feature will turn off after approximately 20 minutes. Press the center of the control to restart the massage feature.
To activate and adjust massage with the front center display screen, select>Massage.
Select the options on the display for Driver, Passenger, or Rear, if equipped.
Memory Seats
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side (if equipped) Similar
Overview
If equipped, the memory seat feature allows drivers to save their unique driving positions and a shared exit position. See “Saving Seating Positions” later in this section. The saved positions can be recalled manually by all drivers. See “Manually Recalling Seating Positions” later in this section. Drivers with remote key 1 and 2 can also recall them automatically. See “Auto Seat Entry Memory Recall” or “Auto Seat Exit Memory Recall” later in this section. To enable automatic recalls, turn on Seat Entry Memory and/or Seat Exit Memory. See “Enabling Automatic Recalls” later in this section. The memory recalls may be canceled at any time during the recall. See “Cancel Memory Seating Recalls” later in this section.
Identifying Driver Number
The vehicle identifies the current driver by their remote key number 1–8. The current remote key number may be identified by Driver Information Center (DIC) welcome message, “You are driver x for memory recalls.” This message is displayed the first few times the vehicle is turned on when a different remote key is used. For Seat Entry Memory to work properly, save positions to the 1 or 2 memory button matching the driver number of this welcome message. To aid in identifying remote key IDs, it is recommended to only carry one remote key when entering the vehicle. Perform the following if the welcome message is not displayed:
- Move all remote keys away from the vehicle.
- Turn the vehicle on with another remote key. A DIC welcome message should display indicating the driver number of the other remote key. Turn the vehicle off and remove the other remote key from the vehicle.
- Turn the vehicle on with the initial remote key. The DIC welcome message should display the driver number of the initial remote key.
Saving Seating Positions
Read these instructions completely before saving memory positions.
To save preferred driving positions to 1 and 2:
- Turn the vehicle on. A DIC welcome message may indicate the driver number of the current remote key. See “Identifying Driver Number” previously in this section.
- Adjust all available memory features to the desired driving position.
- Press and release SET; a chime will sound.
- Immediately upon releasing SET, press and hold memory button 1 or 2 matching the current driver’s remote key number until two chimes sound. If too much time passes between releasing SET and pressing 1 or 2, the two chimes will not sound indicating memory position were not saved. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to try again.
- Repeat Steps 1–4 for the other remote key 1 or 2 using the other 1 or 2 memory button.
It is recommended to save the preferred driving positions to both 1 and 2 if you are the
only driver.
To save the common exit seating position to
that is used by all drivers for Manually Recalling Seating Positions and
Auto Seat Exit Memory Recall features, repeat Steps 1–4 using, the exit button.
The seat positions can also be adjusted and saved from the front or rear center display screens. Touch
Manually Recalling Seating Positions
Press and hold 1, 2, or
button until the recall is complete, to recall the positions previously saved to that button.
Manual Memory recall movement for 1, 2 orbuttons may be initiated and will complete to the saved memory position if the vehicle is in or out of P (Park).
Enabling Automatic Recalls
- Seat Entry Memory moves the driver seat to the selected 1 or 2 position when the vehicle is started. Select Settings > Vehicle
> Seating Position > Seat Entry Memory
> ON or OFF. See “Auto Seat Entry Memory Recall” later in this section. - Seat Exit Memory moves the driver seat to the preferred exit position of thebutton when the vehicle is turned off and the door is opened. Select Settings > Vehicle > Seating Position > Seat Exit Memory > ON or OFF. See “Auto Seat Exit Memory Recall” later in this section.
Auto Seat Entry Memory Recall
If equipped with memory seat 1, 2, or
buttons on the passenger door, those positions must be recalled manually. They will not be linked to a remote key.
Seat Entry Memory will automatically begin movement to the seating positions of the 1 or 2 button corresponding to the driver’s remote key number 1 or 2 detected by the vehicle when:
- The vehicle is turned ON.
- Seating positions have been previously saved to the same 1 or 2 button. See “Saving Seating Positions” previously in this section.
- Seat Entry Memory is enabled. See “Enabling Automatic Recalls” previously in this section.
- The vehicle is in P (Park).
Seat Entry Memory Recall will continue if the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) prior to reaching the saved memory position.
If the saved memory seat position does not automatically recall, verify the recall is enabled. See “Enabling Automatic Recalls” previously in this section.
If the memory seat recalls to the wrong position, the driver’s remote key number 1 or 2 may not match the memory button number positions they were saved to. Try the other remote key or try saving the positions to the other 1 or 2 memory button. See “Saving Seating Positions” previously in this section.
Automatic Seat Entry Memory recalls are only available for driver’s remote key numbers 1 and 2. Remote keys 3–8 will not provide Seat Entry Memory recalls.
Auto Seat Exit Memory Recall
Seat Exit Memory will begin movement to the seating position of thebutton when:
- The vehicle is turned off and the driver door is open or opened within a short time.
- A seating position has been previously been saved to the memory button. See “Saving Seating Positions” previously in this section.
- Seat Exit Memory is enabled. See “Enabling Automatic Recalls” previously in this section.
- The vehicle is in P (Park).
Seat Exit Memory recall will continue if the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) prior to reaching the saved memory position.
Seat Exit Memory is not linked to the driver’s remote key. The seating position saved to B is used for all drivers.
Cancel Memory Seating Recalls
- During any memory recall:
Press a power seat control
Press SET memory button - During Manual memory recall: Release 1, 2, or memory button
- During Auto Seat Entry Memory Recall: Turn the vehicle off
Press SET, 1, 2, or memory buttons - During Auto Seat Exit Memory Recall: Press SET, 1, 2, or memory buttons
Obstructions
If something has blocked the seat while recalling a memory position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction and try the recall again. If the memory position still does not recall, see your dealer.
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Warning
If temperature change or pain to the skin cannot be felt, the seat heater may cause burns. To reduce the risk of burns, use care when using the seat heater, especially for long periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat, such as a blanket, cushion, cover, or similar item. This may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat heater may cause a burn or may damage the seat.
The manual buttons, if equipped, are located on the door panel. To operate, the vehicle must be on.
Press
to heat the driver or passenger seatback and cushion.
Press
Press
to ventilate the driver or passenger seat. A ventilated seat has a fan that circulates air through the seat. The air is not cooled.
When this feature is off, the heated and ventilated seat symbols on the buttons are white. When a heated seat is on, the symbol is red. When a ventilated seat is on, the symbol is blue.
Press the button once for the highest setting. With each press of the button, the seat will change to the next lower setting, and then to the off setting. The indicator lights next to the buttons indicate three for the highest setting and one for the lowest.
Front Center Display Screen
You can also access the heated and ventilated front seat controls by selecting
>Temperature from the front center display screen. Additional heated and ventilated seat options can be selected by touching the seat image.
The controls for the virtual switches operate in the same manner as the manual controls.
When a selection is made, the heating or venting will go to high, then with each touch goes to the next level, then to off.
When this feature is off, the heated and ventilated seat symbols on the display icon are white. When a heated seat is on, the symbol is red. When a ventilated seat is on, the symbol is blue.
The front seat passengers are able to control the rear heated and ventilated seats, when the rear seats are equipped with virtual controls.
If the heated seats are on high, the level may automatically be lowered after approximately 30 minutes.
The passenger seat may take longer to heat up.
Auto Heated and Ventilated Seats
When the vehicle is on, this feature will automatically activate the heated or ventilated seats at the level required by the vehicle’s interior temperature.
The active high, medium, low, or off heated or ventilated seat level will be indicated by the manual heated or ventilated seat buttons on the door panel and on the front center display screen. Use the manual heated or ventilated seat buttons on the door panel or the front center display screen to turn auto heated or ventilated seats off. If the passenger seat is unoccupied, the auto heated or ventilated seats feature will not activate that seat. To enable or disable auto heated or ventilated seats, select Settings > Vehicle > Climate and Air Quality >Cooled/Ventilated Seats or Auto Heated Seats on Startup> ON or OFF.
Remote Start Heated and Ventilated Seats
During a remote start, the heated or ventilated seats, if equipped, can be turned on automatically. When it is cold outside, the heated seats turn on, and when it is hot outside the ventilated seats turn on. If the auto heated or ventilated seats feature, if equipped, is not turned on, the heated or ventilated seats may be canceled when the vehicle is turned on. If necessary, press the heated or ventilated seat button to use the heated or ventilated seats after the vehicle is started.
The heated or ventilated seat indicator lights on the manual heated and ventilated seat buttons on the door panel may turn on during a remote start.
The temperature performance of an unoccupied seat may be reduced. This is normal.
To enable or disable remote start heated or ventilated seats, select Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, and Start > Remote Start Auto Heated Seats or Remote Start Auto Cooled/Ventilated Seats > ON or OFF.
Rear Seats
Rear Seat Reminder
If equipped, the message REAR SEAT REMINDER LOOK IN REAR SEAT displays under certain conditions indicating there may be an item or passenger in the rear seat. Check before exiting the vehicle.
This feature will activate when a second row door is opened while the vehicle is on or up to 10 minutes before the vehicle is turned on. There will be an alert when the vehicle is turned off. The alert does not directly detect objects in the rear seat; instead, under certain conditions, it detects when a rear door is opened and closed, indicating that there may be something in the rear seat.
The feature is active only once each time the vehicle is turned on and off, and will require reactivation by opening and closing the second row doors. There may be an alert even when there is nothing in the rear seat; for example, if a child entered the vehicle through the rear door and left the vehicle without the vehicle being shut off.
The feature can be turned on or off. Select Settings > Vehicle > Rear Seat Reminder > ON or OFF.
Second Row Seats
Executive Seat Features Seat Adjustment
To adjust the second row seats from the rear center display screen, touch> Position and then select the desired adjustment on the seat image.
The second row seats can also be adjusted from the front center display screen.
To adjust the second row seats with the rear panel switch:
- Remove any objects on the floor in front of, behind, or on the second row seat.
- Press the switch
to adjust the seat forward and incline the seatback. - Press the switch
to adjust the seat backward and decline the seatback.
Rear Seat Lockout
The Child Safety Locks can be enabled to lock out the second row executive seats. This will prevent motion of the second row seats.
Warning
The emergency pull strap is designed for emergency use only. Do not use the emergency pull strap to manually incline the seat forward. Overuse of the emergency pull strap may cause damage to the strap and people in the third row could be injured.
Use the emergency pull strap only if the vehicle loses power and the display screens are unavailable. The emergency strap can be pulled from the second or third row seat to incline the seat forward for exit of a person in the third row.
Memory
The memory seat feature allows passengers to save a seating and exit position for each second row seat.
To save a seating or exit position:
- Adjust the seat as desired. See “Seat Adjustment” earlier in this section.
- From the seat Position tab on the rear center display screen, touch and hold the Exit or Save Position button to save the desired position.
Briefly touch the Exit or Save Position button to recall that position.
The second row seat memory positions can also be saved and recalled from the front center display screen.
Massage
To enable the massage feature from the rear center display screen, touch
The second row seat massage feature can also be enabled from the front center display screen.
Base Model Seat Adjustment
To adjust the seat position:
- Remove any objects on the floor in front of or on the second row seat, or in the seat tracks on the floor.
- Lift the lever on the side of the seat cushion and slide the seat forward or backward.
Reclining Seatbacks
To recline the seatback:
- Lift the lever on the outboard side of the seat.
- Move the seatback to the desired position, and then release the lever to lock the seatback in place.
- Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the upright position:
Warning
If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
- Lift the lever fully while applying pressure to the seatback, and the seatback will return to the upright position. If the lever is lifted without applying pressure, the seat will release to a folded position.
- Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
Entering and Exiting the Third Row (Base Model Only)
Manual Fold and Tumble Feature
Warning
Do not leave the second row seat in a tumbled position while the vehicle is in motion. A tumbled seat is not locked. It can move when the vehicle is in motion. People in the vehicle could be injured in a sudden stop or crash. Be sure to return the seat to the passenger seating position before driving the vehicle. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked into place.
Warning
Folding a rear seat with the seat belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the seat belts. Always unbuckle the seat belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.
The second row seats can be folded for additional cargo space or folded and tumbled for easy entry and exit to the third row seat.
Folding and Tumbling the Seat
To fold and tumble the seat:
- Make sure that there is nothing under, in front of, or on the seat.
- Lift the lever on the outboard side of the seat to release the seatback.
The seatback will fold forward to create a flat load floor.
If the seatback cannot fold flat, try moving the front seat forward and/or put the front seatback in the upright position.
- Lift the lever again to release the rear of the seat from the floor. The seat will tumble forward.
Folding and Tumbling the Seat from the Third Row Seat
Warning
Using the third row seating position while the second row is folded, or folded and tumbled, could cause injury in a sudden stop or crash. Be sure to return the seat to the passenger seating position. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked into place.
To fold and tumble the seat from the third row seat:
- Make sure that there is nothing under, in front of, or on the seat.front of, or on the seat.
- Pull the strap on the bottom rear of the
- Pull the strap again to release the rear of the seat from the floor. The seat will tumble forward.
Automatic Fold and Tumble Feature
Warning
Do not leave the second row seat in a tumbled position while the vehicle is in motion. A tumbled seat is not locked. It can move when the vehicle is in motion. People in the vehicle could be injured in a sudden stop or crash. Be sure to return the seat to the passenger seating position before driving the vehicle. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked into place.
Warning
Automatically folding and tumbling the seat when someone is sitting in the seat, could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always make sure there is no one sitting in the seat before pressing the automatic seat release switch.
Warning
Folding a rear seat with the seat belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the seat belts. Always unbuckle the seat belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.
The transmission must be in P (Park) for this feature to work.
To fold and tumble the seat:
- Make sure that there is nothing under, in front of, or on the seat.
- Press the automatic seat release switch on the panel behind the rear doors. The seatback automatically folds flat.
- Press the switch again to release the rear of the seat from the floor. The seat will tumble forward.
Folding and Tumbling the Second Row Seat from the Cargo Area (Base Model Only)
- Third Row Power Seat Fold and Raise Switches
- Second Row Power Seat Fold and Tumble Switches
To fold and tumble the seat from the cargo area:
- Make sure that there is nothing under, in front of, or on the seat.
- Press the switch (2) on the side trim of the cargo area to fold the second row seatback. The left switch folds the left seatback, and the right switch folds the right seatback.
- Press the switch again to release the rear of the seat from the floor. The seat will tumble forward.
The switches (1) can be used to fold the third row seatbacks from the cargo area.
Returning the Seat to the Sitting Position
Warning
If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
To return the seat to the sitting position from the tumbled position:
- Pull the seat down until it latches to the floor. The seatback cannot be raised if the seat is not latched to the floor.
- Lift the seatback and push it rearward. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
- For the 60/40 split-bench seat, make sure the seat belt in the center seating position is not caught between the two seats and is not twisted.
Heated and Ventilated Rear Seats
Warning
If temperature change or pain to the skin cannot be felt, the seat heater may cause burns.
You can turn on the heated or ventilated rear seats from the rear or front center display screen.
- From the rear center display screen, touch > Temperature.
- From the front center display screen.
Select
to heat the seatback and cushion.
Select
Selectto ventilate the seats.
Select the icon once for the highest setting. With each touch of the icon, the seat will change to the next lower setting, and then to the off setting. The indicators next to the icons indicate three for the highest setting and one for the lowest. If the heated seats are on high, the level may automatically be lowered after approximately 30 minutes.
Auto and Remote Start Heated and Ventilated Seats
The heated and ventilated rear seats can be automatically enabled.
Third Row Seats
Warning
Folding a rear seat with the seat belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the seat belts. Always unbuckle the seat belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.
The third row seatbacks can be folded to increase cargo space.
- Open the liftgate to access the controls for the third row seat.
- Make sure that there is nothing under, in front of, or on the seat.
- If the second row seat is in the full rear position, adjust it forward to allow the third row seat to fold fully flat.
- Disconnect the rear seat belt mini-latch, using a key in the slot on the mini-buckle, and let the belt retract into the headliner.
- Stow the mini-latch in the holder in the headliner.
- Repeat the steps to fold the other seatback, if desired.
Power Seatback Folding
The vehicle must be in P (Park) for this feature to work.
- Third Row Power Seat Fold and Raise Switches
- Second Row Power Seat Fold and Tumble Switches
- Press and hold the switch (1) on the side trim of the cargo area to fold the third-row seatback.
The left switch folds the left seatback, and the right switch folds the right seatback. - Repeat the steps for the other seatback, if desired.
The switches (2) can be used to fold or fold and tumble the second row seats from the cargo area. See Second Row Seats.
Returning the Third Row Seatback to the Upright Position
- Third Row Power Seat Fold and Raise Switches
- Second Row Power Seat Fold and Tumble Switches
To return the third row seatback to the upright position:
- Open the liftgate to access the controls for the seat.
- Press and hold the switch (1) on the side trim of the cargo area to raise the third row seatback.
The left switch raises the left seatback, and the right switch raises the right seatback.
Warning
A seat belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted will not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the seat belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted. - Reconnect the center seat belt mini-latch to the mini-buckle. Do not let it twist.
- Pull on the seat belt to be sure the mini-latch is secure.
- Repeat the steps for the other seatback, if desired.
Seat Belts
This section describes how to use seat belts properly, and some things not to do.
Warning
Do not let anyone ride where a seat belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing seat belts, injuries can be much worse than if you are wearing seat belts. You can be seriously injured or killed by hitting things inside the vehicle harder or by being ejected from the vehicle. In addition, anyone who is not buckled up can strike other passengers in the vehicle.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, passengers riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow passengers to ride in any area of the vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Always wear a seat belt, and check that all passenger(s) are restrained properly too.
This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the seat belts.
Why Seat Belts Work
When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you keep going until something stops you. It could be the windshield, the instrument panel, or the seat belts!
When you wear a seat belt, you and the vehicle slow down together. There is more time to stop because you stop over a longer distance, and when worn properly, your strongest bones take the forces from the seat belts. That is why wearing seat belts makes such good sense.
Questions and Answers About Seat Belts
Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a seat belt?
You could be — whether you are wearing a seat belt or not. Your chance of being conscious during and after a crash, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.
If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to wear seat belts?
Airbags are supplemental systems only. They work with seat belts —not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection.
Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing seat belts.
Buckle To Drive
If equipped, this feature delays the vehicle from shifting out of P (Park) when the driver seat belt is not buckled. The Buckle to Drive feature must be turned ON in the infotainment system to work. To turn the Buckle to Drive feature on or off, select Settings > Vehicle > Buckle to Drive. See Teen Driver if equipped.
If the vehicle is on and the brake pedal is pressed with the vehicle in P (Park) but the driver seat belt is not buckled, a message displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC) and the vehicle will be delayed from shifting out of P (Park). Buckle the driver seat belt to clear the message and shift out of P (Park). Shifting from P (Park) will be delayed once for each time the vehicle is started.
For some fleet vehicles, the feature is always ON and cannot be turned OFF in the infotainment system. The vehicle will be delayed from shifting from P (Park) each time the driver attempts to do so while the driver seat belt is not buckled. Turning the vehicle off then on will not change this condition.
On some models, Buckle to Drive may also delay shifting out of P (Park) if a front passenger seat belt is unbuckled. A message displays in the DIC. Buckle the front passenger seat belt to shift out of P (Park).
This feature may delay the vehicle from shifting out of P (Park) if an object, such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device, is on the front passenger seat. If this happens, remove the object from the seat or buckle the seat belt to shift out of P (Park).
If the driver, or on some vehicles, the present front passenger remains unbuckled, the DIC message will turn off after several seconds and the vehicle can be shifted out of P (Park). See “Seat Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for information about the importance of proper restraint use.
If the driver seat belt or the front passenger seat belt is unbuckled when driving, the seat belt reminder chime and light(s) will come on. This feature may not function properly if the airbag readiness light is on.
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly
Follow these rules for everyone’s protection.
There are additional things to know about seat belts and children, including smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children or Infants and Young Children. Review and follow the rules for children in addition to the following rules.
It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing seat belts.
There are important things to know about wearing a seat belt properly.
- Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the floor in front of you (if possible).
- Wear the lap part of the belt low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones and you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries.
- Wear the shoulder belt over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The shoulder belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash.
Warning
You can be seriously injured, or even killed, by not wearing your seat belt properly.
Never allow the lap or shoulder belt to become loose or twisted.
Never wear the shoulder belt under both arms or behind your back.
Always use the correct buckle for your seating position.
Never route the lap or shoulder belt over an armrest.
Warning
The seat belt can be pinched if it is routed under plastic trim on the seat, such as trim around the rear seatback folding handle or side airbag. In a crash, pinched seat belts might not provide adequate protection. Never allow seat belts to be routed under plastic trim pieces.
Warning
You can be seriously injured or killed if the shoulder belt is worn behind your back, under your legs, or wrapped around your neck. The shoulder belt can tighten but cannot be loosened if it is locked. The shoulder belt locks when it is pulled all the way out of the retractor. It unlocks when the shoulder belt is allowed to go all the way back into the retractor, but it cannot do this if it is wrapped around you. You may have to cut the seat belt if it is locked and tightened around you.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt.
If you are using a rear seating position with a detachable seat belt and the seat belt is not attached, see Third Row Seats for instructions on reconnecting the seat belt to the mini-buckle.
The following instructions explain how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly.
Warning
If equipped, the second row passenger can create more legroom by moving the front passenger seat with controls located on the rear center display screen. To prevent serious injury or death in a crash, do not permit a rear seat passenger to move the front seat if someone is seated there. Disable the controls by activating Rear Control Lock from the front center display screen.
- Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.
- Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get twisted.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.
If the shoulder portion of a passenger belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint locking feature may be engaged. If this occurs, let the belt go back all the way and start again. If the locking feature stays engaged after letting the belt go back to stowed position on the seat, move the seat rearward or recline the seat until the shoulder belt retractor lock releases.
Engaging the child restraint locking feature in the front outboard seating position may affect the passenger sensing system.
- Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
If the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle, check if the correct buckle is being used.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt is not long enough.
Position the release pushbutton on the buckle so that the seat belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary. - If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster, move it to the height that is right for you. See “Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster” in this section for instructions on use and important safety information.
- To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt.
To unlatch the belt, push the release pushbutton on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position.
Always stow the seat belt slowly. If the seat belt webbing returns quickly to the stowed position, the retractor may lock and cannot be pulled out. If this happens, pull the seat belt straight out firmly to unlock the webbing, and then release it. If the webbing is still locked in the retractor, see your dealer.
Before a door is closed, be sure the seat belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a seat belt, damage can occur to both the seat belt and the vehicle.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and front outboard passenger positions.
Adjust the height so the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt in a crash.
Push the release button to move the height adjuster to the desired position.
After the adjuster is set to the desired position, try to move it down without pushing the release button to make sure it has locked into position.
Seat Belt Pretensioners
This vehicle has seat belt pretensioners for the front outboard occupants.
Although the seat belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the seat belt assembly. They can help tighten the seat belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal or near frontal crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. Seat belt pretensioners can also help tighten the seat belts in a side crash or rollover event.
Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, the pretensioners and probably other parts of the vehicle seat belt system will need to be replaced.
Do not sit on the outboard seat belt while entering or exiting the vehicle or at any time while sitting in the seat. Sitting on the seat belt can damage the webbing and hardware.
Rear Seat Belt Comfort Guides
Rear seat belt comfort guides may provide added seat belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide positions the shoulder belt away from the neck and head.
Comfort guides are available through your dealer for the rear outboard seating positions. Instructions are included with the comfort guides.
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy
Seat belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear seat belts.
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a seat belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making seat belts effective is wearing them properly.
Seat Belt Extender
If the vehicle seat belt will fasten around you, you should use it.
But if a seat belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender. Only a GM issued extender should be used. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child restraints.
For more information on the proper use and fit of seat belt extenders see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender.
Safety System Check
Periodically check the seat belt reminder, seat belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), and seat belt anchorages to make sure they are all in working order. Look for any other loose or damaged seat belt system parts that might keep a seat belt system from performing properly. See your dealer to have it repaired. Torn, frayed, or twisted seat belts may not protect you in a crash. Torn or frayed seat belts can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, have it replaced immediately. If a belt is twisted, it may be possible to untwist by reversing the latch plate on the webbing.
If the twist cannot be corrected, ask your dealer to fix it.
Make sure the seat belt reminder light is working.
Keep seat belts clean and dry.
Seat Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
Seat belts should be properly cared for and maintained.
Seat belt hardware should be kept dry and free of dust or debris. As necessary exterior hard surfaces and seat belt webbing may be lightly cleaned with mild soap and water. Ensure there is not excessive dust or debris in the mechanism. If dust or debris exists in the system after proper cleaning please see the dealer. Parts may need to be replaced to ensure proper functionality of the system.
Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt webbing. It may severely weaken the webbing. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean and rinse seat belt webbing only with mild soap and lukewarm water. Allow the webbing to dry.
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts After a Crash
Warning
A crash can damage the seat belt system in the vehicle. A damaged seat belt system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the seat belt systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of seat belts .may not be necessary. But the seat belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer to have the seat belt assemblies inspected or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the seat belt system was not being used at the time of the crash.
Have the seat belt pretensioners checked if the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the vehicle or while you are driving.
Useful Links:
2023 Cadillac Escalade Review, Specs, Price and Mileage (Brochure)
2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ Warning Lights and Indicator User Guide