What the Toyota Build and Price tool does

Toyota's Build and Price tool is an online configurator on Toyota's website that lets you design a vehicle to your specifications, see the price in real time, and save or share your configuration. You start by choosing a model, then add options, colors, interior materials, and packages one step at a time. The tool shows you the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) as you make each choice, so you know the cost before you talk to a dealer.

The tool does not reserve a vehicle, place an order, or commit you to anything. It is purely informational — a way to explore what a specific truck, sedan, or SUV would cost with the features you want. Once you have built a configuration you like, you can print it, email it to yourself, share it with a dealer, or start over with different options.

Key Takeaways

  • The Build and Price tool shows MSRP only, not the actual price you will pay after dealer markup, incentives, taxes, or fees.
  • You can save your configuration and return to it later, or email it to a specific Toyota dealer to use as a starting point for negotiation.
  • The tool includes all current model-year vehicles and lets you compare prices across different trims and powertrains side by side.
  • Dealer inventory, financing offers, and rebates change frequently and are not reflected in the Build and Price price — you must check with a dealer for those details.

How to start building a vehicle

Go to Toyota.com and look for the "Build and Price" or "Build Your Toyota" link, usually near the top of the homepage or in the vehicle section. Click it and you will be asked to choose a model — Corolla, RAV4, Camry, Tacoma, Tundra, or another current Toyota model. Once you select a model, the tool shows you available model years (usually the current year and sometimes the next year if it has been announced).

After you pick the model year, you choose a trim level. Each trim represents a different starting price and feature set — for example, a RAV4 might offer LE, XLE, Adventure, and Prime trims. The tool displays the base MSRP for that trim and shows you what features come standard. From there, you move through each customization screen: exterior color, interior color and material, packages (like all-wheel drive, technology packages, or towing packages), and individual options like sunroofs or upgraded audio systems.

Understanding the price shown

The price displayed in Build and Price is the MSRP — the manufacturer's suggested retail price set by Toyota. This is not the price you will actually pay. MSRP does not include destination charges (the cost to ship the vehicle from the factory to the dealer), dealer markup or markup on popular options, taxes, registration, dealer documentation fees, or any incentives or rebates you might receive.

Destination charges are typically $1,000 to $1,500 depending on the model and your location, and they are added by the dealer. Some dealers charge additional markup on high-demand models or popular option packages. Incentives — cash rebates, financing rates, or lease deals — are set by Toyota but vary by region, model, and time of year, and you must check with a dealer or Toyota's incentive page to see what applies to you.

Saving and sharing your configuration

Once you have built a vehicle you like, the tool offers several ways to keep or share it. You can save the configuration to your Toyota account if you create one, which lets you return to it later and make changes. You can also print the configuration as a PDF, which includes the MSRP breakdown by component and a summary of all your choices.

Most importantly, you can email the configuration directly to a Toyota dealer. This is useful because it gives the dealer a clear picture of what you want before you visit or call. Some dealers will use your configuration as a starting point for negotiation; others may tell you that exact combination is not in stock but offer similar alternatives. Having a saved configuration also makes it easier to compare prices across multiple dealers if you are shopping around.

Checking inventory and actual availability

Build and Price does not show you whether a specific configuration is actually in stock at a dealer near you. The tool is a pricing and specification tool, not an inventory search. To learn about a vehicle matching your configuration exists, you need to contact dealers directly or use Toyota's separate inventory search tool (sometimes called "Find a Vehicle" or "Inventory Search"), which is usually linked from the Build and Price page or the main vehicle page.

Inventory changes constantly. A configuration you build might not exist anywhere in your region, or it might be available at a dealer two hours away. If you fall in love with a specific combination of options, your dealer can often order it from the factory, though this typically takes several weeks to several months depending on current production schedules and demand.

How Build and Price differs from dealer pricing

The gap between MSRP and the actual price you negotiate can be significant. On popular models or during periods of high demand, dealers often charge above MSRP. On less popular models or during sales events, you may find prices below MSRP. Incentives can reduce the price by hundreds or thousands of dollars, but they are not shown in Build and Price — you must ask the dealer or check Toyota's incentive page for your region.

Financing rates, lease terms, and trade-in values are also not part of Build and Price. These are negotiated between you and the dealer (or Toyota Financial Services if you are leasing). Use Build and Price to understand the base cost and feature mix, then use that information when you contact dealers to get real quotes that include all fees, incentives, and financing terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a vehicle directly through Build and Price?

No. Build and Price is a configuration and pricing tool only. To order a vehicle, you must contact a Toyota dealer. You can email your configuration to a dealer through the tool, and they can help you place an order or find an existing vehicle that matches your preferences.

Does Build and Price show me vehicles in stock near me?

No. Build and Price shows pricing and specifications only. To find vehicles in stock, use Toyota's inventory search tool or contact dealers directly. Your configuration can be used as a reference when you search, but the exact combination you build may not exist at any dealer in your area.

Why is the dealer's price higher than the MSRP shown in Build and Price?

Build and Price shows MSRP, which is a suggested price. Dealers can charge more (called markup) on popular models or options, especially during high-demand periods. They can also charge less during sales events. Destination charges, taxes, and fees are added on top of MSRP at the dealer level.

Can I save multiple configurations and compare them?

Yes. You can build several different vehicles and save each one to your account, or print them as separate PDFs. This is useful if you are deciding between two trim levels or two different powertrains. Comparing the MSRP and feature lists side by side helps you understand what you are paying for with each option.

Will my configuration be available if I come back to it next month?

Your saved configuration will remain in your account, but the MSRP, available options, and incentives may change. Toyota updates its pricing and offerings periodically, so check the price again before you contact a dealer. The configuration itself will not expire, but the market around it may shift.