What the Lexus Build Tool Does
The Lexus Build tool on Lexus.com lets you configure a vehicle to your specifications, see the price in real time, and either reserve it or locate an existing inventory match at a dealer near you. You select the model, exterior color, interior trim, packages, and individual options, then the system shows you the total price including destination charges. The tool does not complete a purchase — it prepares you to contact a dealer or place a factory order.
The process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how many choices you make. At the end, you can save your configuration, email it to yourself, or share it with a dealer. Some configurations can be ordered directly from the factory; others may only be available as dealer inventory depending on current production schedules.
Key Takeaways
- The Build tool shows real-time pricing for every combination of model, color, packages, and options you select.
- You can save your configuration and return to it later, or email it to a dealer to check availability and pricing.
- Some option combinations may not be available for factory order and will only be found in dealer inventory.
- Destination charges, regional fees, and taxes are not included in the Build tool price and will be added by the dealer.
- Reserving a configuration through the tool does not lock in the price — dealer pricing and incentives may differ.
Step-by-Step Process for Building Your Lexus
Start by visiting Lexus.com and selecting "Build and Price" or "Build Your Lexus" from the main menu. Choose your model — Lexus offers sedans, SUVs, and crossovers across multiple size and price ranges. The tool will then ask you to select a model year; current-year and next-year models are typically available, though availability depends on production status.
Next, choose your exterior color. Lexus offers standard colors at no charge and premium or special colors that carry an upcharge, usually $500 to $1,500. The tool displays the upcharge amount next to each color option. Interior color and trim material come next — leather, semi-aniline, and synthetic options vary by model and price tier.
After selecting the base configuration, you will see available packages. Packages bundle multiple options together at a lower total cost than buying them individually. For example, a "Premium Package" might include a power sunroof, upgraded audio system, and heated seats. The Build tool shows what each package includes and its price. You can then add individual options not included in your selected package.
Once you have made all selections, the tool displays the final price, including destination charge but not taxes, dealer fees, or regional charges. At this point, you can save the configuration, print it, email it, or proceed to reserve or locate inventory.
Saving and Sharing Your Configuration
The Build tool allows you to save your configuration to your Lexus.com account if you are logged in. Saved configurations remain available for 90 days and can be retrieved and modified at any time. If you are not logged in, you can still save the configuration to your device or email it to yourself as a PDF or link.
Sharing your configuration with a dealer is straightforward. The tool provides an option to email the configuration directly to a dealer, or you can copy the configuration link and send it yourself. When you send it to a dealer, include your contact information and note whether you are interested in factory order, dealer inventory, or both. Dealers typically respond within one business day.
Factory Order Versus Dealer Inventory
Not all configurations can be ordered directly from the factory. Lexus limits factory orders to certain color, package, and option combinations based on current production capacity. If your configuration is not available for factory order, the Build tool will indicate this and suggest locating it in dealer inventory instead.
Factory orders typically take 8 to 12 weeks from order confirmation to delivery, depending on the model and current production schedules. Dealer inventory vehicles are available when ready or within days. When you reserve a configuration through the Build tool, you are placing a hold on that specific vehicle or requesting that a dealer locate a matching vehicle in their network. The dealer will contact you to confirm availability and pricing.
Understanding the Price Displayed
The price shown in the Build tool includes the base vehicle price, any selected packages, individual options, and the destination charge (the cost to ship the vehicle from the factory to the dealer). This is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, or MSRP, for your configuration.
The price does not include dealer documentation fees, registration, taxes, or regional charges that vary by location. When you contact a dealer, ask for a full out-the-door price that includes all fees and taxes for your area. Dealer incentives, rebates, and financing offers are also not reflected in the Build tool price and may reduce your final cost depending on current promotions and your credit profile.
What Happens After You Reserve or Share Your Configuration
If you reserve your configuration through the Build tool, Lexus sends your information to a participating dealer in your area. That dealer will contact you within one to two business days to confirm the vehicle is available, discuss pricing including any dealer-specific fees, and answer questions about financing or trade-in options.
If you email your configuration to a specific dealer, that dealer will follow up directly. You are not obligated to purchase from the dealer who contacts you — the reservation or inquiry is straightforward a way to move forward with pricing and availability. You can also use the Build tool to check multiple dealers' inventory for the same configuration and compare their offers.
If you are ordering a factory build, the dealer will collect a deposit (usually $500 to $1,000) and submit your order to Lexus. You will receive regular updates on the order status, and the dealer will contact you when the vehicle arrives at their lot for final inspection before delivery.
Common Issues and Limitations
Some option combinations are incompatible and cannot be selected together. For example, certain suspension options may not be available with specific wheel sizes. The Build tool prevents you from selecting incompatible options and will gray out unavailable choices once you have made a conflicting selection.
If you are building a model that is nearing the end of its production cycle, some options or colors may be unavailable. The tool will show only the options currently available for that model year. If you cannot find the exact configuration you want, a dealer can sometimes special-order it, but this may extend the delivery timeline or require a higher price.
Pricing in the Build tool is updated regularly but may not reflect the most current incentives or dealer-specific promotions. Always confirm the final price with the dealer before committing to a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lock in the price shown in the Build tool?
No. The Build tool shows MSRP, but dealer pricing, incentives, and fees vary. Once you contact a dealer, they will provide a formal quote that may differ from the Build tool price. Dealer incentives and manufacturer rebates can lower the final cost, but they are not may provide and depend on current promotions and your credit profile.
How long does a factory order take?
Factory orders typically take 8 to 12 weeks from the time the dealer submits your order to Lexus until the vehicle arrives at the dealer's lot. The exact timeline depends on the model, current production schedules, and any customizations. The dealer will provide a more specific estimate when you place the order.
What if I want to modify my configuration after I save it?
You can retrieve your saved configuration from your Lexus.com account and make changes at any time within the 90-day save window. Each time you modify the configuration, the price updates automatically. If you have already shared it with a dealer, send them the updated configuration and ask them to provide a new quote.
Can I build a Lexus and buy it online?
The Build tool does not complete an online purchase. You use it to configure the vehicle and then contact a dealer to finalize the sale. Some dealers may offer online financing or paperwork submission, but the transaction itself must go through a Lexus dealership in your state.
What if my configuration is not available for factory order?
The Build tool will tell you if your configuration cannot be ordered from the factory. In that case, you can ask the tool to search dealer inventory for a matching vehicle, or you can contact a dealer directly to see if they can locate one through their network. Dealer inventory vehicles are available much faster than factory orders.