You can order a Chevrolet built to your exact specifications through the official Chevrolet website or at a dealership

Building a Chevrolet means choosing the model, engine, color, interior, and features you want before the vehicle is manufactured. This is different from buying a car already on a dealer's lot. When you build your own, you decide every detail — from the paint color to the transmission type to which safety packages come standard. The process happens online at Chevrolet.com or in person at a Chevrolet dealership, and the vehicle is then built at a Chevrolet factory to match your choices.

The main reason people build rather than buy off the lot is control. You get the exact combination you want instead of settling for what the dealer has in stock. The trade-off is time: a built-to-order vehicle typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive, depending on the model and current factory schedules. You also usually pay the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) rather than negotiating a discount, though some dealers offer incentives on built vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • You start by choosing a Chevrolet model, then select the engine, transmission, exterior color, interior trim, and optional packages in the order you want them built.
  • The Chevrolet website's build tool walks you through each choice and shows the price update as you add or remove features.
  • Once you submit your order, you can track the vehicle's progress from factory to dealership through a reference number Chevrolet provides.
  • Built vehicles typically arrive 8 to 12 weeks after you place the order, though timing varies by model and factory demand.
  • You can build online and complete the purchase at a dealership, or work with a dealership from the start to place the order.

Starting the build process on Chevrolet.com

Go to Chevrolet.com and select "Build and Price" from the main menu. You will see a list of current Chevrolet models available for custom orders — not all models can be built to order, so check which ones are open. Click the model you want, and the tool will ask you to choose a trim level first. The trim determines the base features and price; higher trims come with more standard equipment but cost more to start.

After you pick a trim, you move through the customization screens in order: exterior color, interior color and material, engine and transmission options, and then optional packages. Each screen shows the price change as you make selections. Some combinations are not available — for example, certain colors may not be offered on certain trims, or a particular engine may not pair with a specific transmission. The tool will tell you if a choice is unavailable before you move forward.

At the end, you will see a summary of your build with the total MSRP, a list of all the features and options you selected, and an estimated delivery window. You can save this build to your Chevrolet.com account, email it to yourself, or print it. You do not place a binding order through the website; instead, you take this build summary to a Chevrolet dealership to finalize the purchase.

Understanding the trim levels and what they include

Each Chevrolet model has multiple trim levels, usually named WT, LT, RST, or similar depending on the model. The base trim (often WT or LS) includes the essential features and the lowest starting price. As you move up to higher trims, you get more standard equipment — better audio systems, upgraded interior materials, additional safety features, or convenience technology. The difference in price between trims can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the model.

When you are building, compare what comes standard in each trim before you add optional packages. Sometimes a feature you want is already included in a higher trim, so buying that trim might be cheaper than adding the package to a lower trim. The build tool shows you exactly what is standard at each level, so you can make that comparison as you go.

Choosing engines, transmissions, and drivetrains

Most Chevrolet models offer a choice of engines — typically a smaller, more fuel-efficient option and a larger, more powerful option. Some models also offer hybrid or electric powertrains. The engine you choose affects the price, fuel economy, towing capacity, and acceleration. The build tool shows you the fuel economy estimate and key specs for each engine so you can compare.

Transmission choices are usually automatic, and the number of gears varies by engine. Some models offer all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) as an option; others come with front-wheel drive (FWD) only. Drivetrain choice affects price, fuel economy, and how the vehicle handles in snow or off-road conditions. The build tool will show you which drivetrains are available for the engine you selected.

Adding optional packages and individual features

After you choose the base powertrain, the build tool shows you optional packages — grouped sets of features sold together at a set price. For example, a "Technology Package" might bundle a larger touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. You can usually add or remove entire packages, and some packages can be combined while others cannot.

Some features are also sold individually rather than as part of a package. These might include roof racks, towing packages, upgraded wheels, or specific safety features. The build tool shows you the price for each option and whether it conflicts with other choices you have made. Adding packages and features is how the final price can rise significantly above the base trim price, so review what you actually need before checking boxes.

Placing the order at a dealership

Once you have finalized your build online, visit a Chevrolet dealership with your build summary or email it to the dealership ahead of time. The dealership will review your choices, confirm the price and delivery estimate, and discuss financing or trade-in options if you have them. The dealership then submits your order to Chevrolet on your behalf. You will sign a purchase agreement that locks in the price and specifies the delivery timeline.

Some dealerships will let you build online and then come in to finalize; others prefer to build with you in person at the dealership using their own system. Either way, the dealership is where the order becomes official and binding. At this point, you will typically put down a deposit — the amount varies by dealership and model, but it is usually refundable if the order is cancelled before the vehicle is built.

Tracking your vehicle from factory to delivery

After you place the order, Chevrolet will send you a reference number or order number. You can use this number to track your vehicle's progress on Chevrolet.com or through the dealership. The tracking system shows you when the vehicle enters the factory, when it is built, when it ships to the dealership, and when it arrives and is ready for pickup.

The entire process from order to delivery typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, though this varies. High-demand models or features may take longer, and factory shutdowns or supply issues can cause delays. The dealership will contact you when the vehicle arrives and is ready for final inspection and pickup. At that point, you will complete the final paperwork, arrange financing if you have not already, and take delivery of your new Chevrolet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my order after I place it?

Changes depend on how far along the vehicle is in the build process. If the factory has not started building yet, you may be able to modify the order through the dealership. Once manufacturing begins, changes are usually not possible. Contact the dealership when ready if you need to make a change; they can tell you whether it is still possible.

What if I want a vehicle that is already on the dealer's lot instead of building one?

You can buy a vehicle from dealer inventory without building one. This means you get the vehicle when ready instead of waiting 8 to 12 weeks, but you are limited to the colors, features, and options the dealer has in stock. You can also negotiate the price more easily on inventory vehicles than on built-to-order vehicles.

Do I have to buy the vehicle after I place the order?

The purchase agreement you sign at the dealership is a binding contract, so you are committed to buying the vehicle once the order is placed. However, most agreements include a cancellation clause that allows you to back out before the vehicle is built, usually with a small fee or loss of your deposit. Read the agreement carefully to understand the cancellation terms.

Can I build a Chevrolet truck or SUV the same way as a car?

Yes, the build process is the same for trucks, SUVs, cars, and crossovers. Chevrolet trucks and SUVs often have more engine and drivetrain options than cars, and more towing and off-road packages, but the ordering process works the same way.

What happens if the price of the vehicle goes up between when I order and when it arrives?

The price you lock in at the dealership when you place the order is the price you pay, even if Chevrolet raises prices before your vehicle is delivered. This is one advantage of building to order — your price is protected from future increases.