What the Chevrolet Configurator Does
The Chevrolet configurator is an online tool on Chevrolet's website that lets you build a vehicle option by option and see the price change in real time. You select a model, then choose the trim level, exterior color, interior materials, engine type, and optional packages. The tool shows you the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for each combination you create, plus what features come standard at each trim level.
The configurator does not reserve a vehicle, place an order, or lock in a price. It is a shopping and comparison tool. The prices it displays are MSRPs — the starting point for dealer negotiations, not the final price you will pay. Dealers set their own selling prices, and incentives, rebates, and financing terms vary by location, time of year, and your credit profile.
Key Takeaways
- The Chevrolet configurator shows MSRP and standard features for each trim and option combination, but not dealer markup, local incentives, or your actual out-the-door cost.
- You can compare two vehicles side by side within the configurator to see how trim levels, colors, and packages affect the base price.
- The configurator displays what Chevrolet includes in each package — safety features, technology, comfort upgrades — so you know what you are paying for at each price point.
- Prices shown are manufacturer suggestions; your dealer's final offer will depend on their inventory, local demand, and current rebates in your region.
How to Use the Configurator Step by Step
Start at Chevrolet.com and look for the "Build and Price" or "Configurator" link, usually in the main navigation or under a specific model's page. Select the model you want — Silverado, Equinox, Blazer, or another Chevrolet vehicle. The tool will show you available trim levels for that model, listed from base to premium.
Click on a trim level to see its starting MSRP and what comes standard. Then move through the remaining steps: exterior color, interior color and material, engine or powertrain choice (if the model offers options), and optional packages or add-ons. After each selection, the price updates on screen. At the end, you can print or email a summary of your configuration, or save it to review later.
Most configurators also let you click on individual features to read descriptions — for example, clicking on "adaptive cruise control" will explain what it does and which trim levels include it. Some tools show you a photo of your selected color and interior combination so you can visualize the finished vehicle.
What Prices in the Configurator Include and Do Not Include
The MSRP shown is the base price Chevrolet sets for that exact configuration. It includes the vehicle itself, all standard features for that trim, and any optional packages you selected. It does not include destination charges (the cost to ship the vehicle from the factory to the dealer), taxes, registration, or dealer fees.
The configurator also does not show dealer markup, which is the amount above MSRP that a dealer may charge. It does not reflect current rebates, cash incentives, or manufacturer financing offers, which change monthly and vary by region. If you see a rebate advertised on Chevrolet's main website, that is separate information — the configurator shows the pre-rebate MSRP.
To get a true final price, you will need to contact a dealer with your configuration. They can tell you their actual selling price, what incentives explore in your area, and what fees they charge. Some dealers also offer their own discounts or loyalty offers that do not appear in the configurator.
Comparing Trim Levels and Packages
The configurator is most useful for comparing how much you pay for different feature sets. If you are deciding between the LT and RST trim of a Silverado, for example, you can build both and see exactly what extra features the RST adds and how much they cost. You might find that the RST adds a sunroof, leather seats, and a premium sound system for a $4,000 increase — information that helps you decide if those features are worth it to you.
You can also use the configurator to see whether buying a lower trim and adding individual options costs more or less than buying a higher trim that includes those options bundled. Some packages group features together at a discount compared to buying them separately, while others may not be worth the price if you only want one or two items in the bundle.
The side-by-side comparison feature, available on most Chevrolet configurators, displays two vehicles at once so you can see the price and feature differences without switching back and forth. This is especially helpful when you are torn between two models or two trim levels.
Saving and Sharing Your Configuration
Once you have built a vehicle you like, the configurator usually offers options to save, print, or email your configuration. Saving it creates a link you can return to later — useful if you want to sleep on the decision or compare it to other options. Printing or emailing gives you a document to bring to a dealer or share with a family member for feedback.
When you take your saved configuration to a dealer, bring the document or the link. The dealer can use it to check whether they have that exact vehicle in stock, or they can order it from Chevrolet if they do not. Having a specific configuration in writing also makes it easier to get an accurate price quote, because the dealer knows exactly what you want.
Why Configurator Prices Differ From What You Actually Pay
Chevrolet sets the MSRP, but dealers set the selling price. A dealer in a high-demand market or with limited inventory of a popular model may charge above MSRP. A dealer with excess inventory or in a slower market may discount below MSRP. The configurator cannot account for these local variations.
Rebates and incentives also change. Chevrolet might offer $3,000 cash back on a Silverado in January but $1,500 in March, or offer different amounts in different states. The configurator shows the base MSRP before any of these incentives. You have to check Chevrolet's current incentives page or call dealers to learn what is available when you are actually shopping.
Financing terms, trade-in value, and your personal credit situation also affect your final cost. The configurator shows the vehicle price only, not the total cost of ownership or what you will actually pay per month. A dealer's finance department handles those calculations based on your credit, down payment, and loan term.
Using the Configurator Alongside Other Shopping Tools
The configurator works best as one part of your research. Use it to understand what features come at each price point and to narrow down which trim and options you want. Then use other resources to find actual dealer prices: check Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, or TrueCar to see what people in your area have paid for the same configuration. Call or visit local dealers with your configuration to get real quotes.
You can also use the configurator to compare Chevrolet vehicles to competitors. Build the Silverado you want, note the price and features, then go to Ford's or GMC's configurator and build an equivalent truck. This side-by-side research helps you see which brand offers the features you want at the price you want to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the configurator show me if a vehicle is in stock at a nearby dealer?
No. The configurator shows prices and features only. To learn about a specific configuration is in stock, you will need to contact dealers directly or use their inventory search tools on their websites. Some dealers have their own inventory search that you can filter by color, trim, and options.
Can I order a vehicle directly through the configurator?
No. The configurator is a pricing and information tool. To order or purchase a vehicle, you must work with a Chevrolet dealer. You can use your saved configuration to show the dealer exactly what you want, and they will handle the order and paperwork.
Why does the price at the dealer differ from what the configurator showed?
The configurator shows MSRP before destination charges, taxes, dealer fees, and any local incentives or markups. Dealers add their own fees and may charge above or below MSRP depending on demand and inventory. Always ask the dealer to itemize the final price so you understand where the difference comes from.
Does the configurator include current rebates and incentives?
No. The configurator displays the base MSRP. Current rebates, cash incentives, and financing offers are listed separately on Chevrolet's website and change frequently. Check the incentives page or ask a dealer what offers explore to your configuration at the time you are shopping.
Can I use the configurator on my phone?
Most Chevrolet configurators work on mobile browsers, though the experience may be smaller and harder to navigate than on a desktop or tablet. If you have trouble on your phone, try opening it on a larger screen or saving your configuration to review on mobile later.