What the Chevy Colorado build tool does

Chevrolet's online build tool lets you configure a Colorado truck to your specifications, see the price in real time, and save or share your configuration. You choose the model year, cab style, bed length, engine, transmission, exterior color, interior trim, and optional packages — then the tool calculates the final price including destination charges. The result is a saved build you can email to a dealer, print, or use as a starting point for financing research.

The tool does not reserve a truck, place an order, or commit you to a purchase. It is a planning and comparison resource. Once you have a build you like, you take that information to a dealer to discuss actual inventory, pricing negotiations, and financing options.

Key Takeaways

  • The Colorado build tool is found on Chevrolet's official website and requires no account or personal information to use.
  • You can configure cab style (Regular, Extended, or Crew), bed length (5 feet or 6 feet depending on cab), engine (EcoTec3 V6 or Turbo), and transmission (6-speed or 8-speed automatic).
  • The tool shows the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for your configuration, but dealer prices, incentives, and trade-in value are negotiated separately.
  • A saved build can be shared with dealers via email or printed to bring to a showroom, making it easier to discuss specific options and pricing.

Accessing the Chevy Colorado builder on Chevrolet's website

Go to Chevrolet.com and navigate to the Vehicles section, then select Colorado. On the Colorado model page, look for a "Build and Price" or "Build Your Own" button — the exact label varies by year and page layout. Click it to enter the builder.

You will land on a page asking you to select a model year first. Chevrolet typically offers the current year and sometimes the upcoming year if it has been announced. Once you choose the year, the builder opens and walks you through configuration options in order: cab style, bed length, trim level, powertrain, color, and packages.

The builder works on desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers. No login, account, or email is required to start building. You can save a configuration by creating a temporary link or, in some cases, by signing into your Chevrolet account if you have one — but saving is optional.

Cab and bed configurations available for Colorado

The Colorado comes in three cab styles: Regular Cab (two doors, no rear seat), Extended Cab (two full front doors plus two smaller rear-hinged doors, with a small rear seat), and Crew Cab (four full doors and a full rear seat). Regular and Extended Cabs are less common in current inventory; most dealers stock Crew Cabs.

Bed length depends on cab choice. Crew Cab models come with a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. Extended Cab models typically offer a 6-foot bed. Regular Cab models can have a 6-foot or 8-foot bed. The builder will show only the bed lengths available for the cab you select, so you cannot accidentally configure an incompatible combination.

Total truck length, payload capacity, and towing capacity all vary by cab and bed combination. The builder does not always display these specs on the configuration page, but they are usually available on the spec sheet you can read or view after you finish building.

Engine and transmission options in the builder

The Colorado offers two main engines: a 3.6-liter EcoTec3 V6 (standard on most trims) and a 2.7-liter Turbo EcoTec3 (optional on some trims, standard on higher trims). The V6 produces 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo produces 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission choices are an 8-speed automatic (paired with the Turbo) or a 6-speed automatic (paired with the V6, though some trims offer the 8-speed as an upgrade). The builder shows which transmission comes with each engine and whether you can swap it for an alternative.

Fuel economy, towing capacity, and payload differ between engines and transmissions. The builder usually displays EPA estimates and towing specs once you select a powertrain, though you may need to scroll or click a "Specs" tab to see them all.

Colors, trim levels, and optional packages

Exterior colors include standard options like Summit White, Mosaic Black, and Satin Steel Metallic, plus premium metallic finishes that carry an upcharge. The builder shows the color name and a small preview; some builders let you see a larger image or 360-degree view of the truck in that color.

Trim levels range from Work Truck (base) through WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2, with each step adding interior features, technology, and exterior styling. Higher trims come with more standard equipment, which affects the base price. The builder shows what is included in each trim and what becomes optional.

Optional packages bundle related features — for example, a Technology Package might include an upgraded infotainment system and smartphone integration, while a Convenience Package adds power windows, locks, and mirrors. You can add packages individually or skip them. The builder updates the price in real time as you add or remove options.

Understanding the price the builder shows

The price displayed is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for your exact configuration, including the destination charge (the cost to ship the truck from the factory to the dealer). This is not the price you will pay. It is a starting point.

The MSRP does not include taxes, registration, dealer fees, or financing costs. It also does not reflect dealer discounts, manufacturer incentives, rebates, or your trade-in value — all of which are negotiated with the dealer after you have chosen your build. Dealer prices often differ from MSRP, especially on popular or hard-to-find configurations.

Use the builder's price to compare different configurations (for example, V6 versus Turbo, or Crew Cab versus Extended Cab) and to get a rough sense of cost. Then bring your build to a dealer to discuss what they actually have in stock, what they are willing to negotiate, and what incentives you may be may have access to to.

Saving, sharing, and using your build at a dealer

Most builders offer a "Save" or "Share" button once you finish configuring. Clicking it generates a link you can email to yourself, text to a friend, or email directly to a dealer. Some builders also let you print the configuration as a PDF, which you can bring to a showroom.

A saved build typically includes your exact configuration, the MSRP, and sometimes a QR code that links back to the build. Dealers can use this to look up what you want, check their inventory for similar trucks, and discuss pricing and options with you.

You can also take a screenshot of your final configuration and bring it on your phone. There is no requirement to use the official save feature; the point is to have your choices documented so you and the dealer are discussing the same truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does building a truck on the Chevy website reserve one for me?

No. The builder is a configuration and pricing tool only. It does not place an order, reserve inventory, or commit you to anything. You must contact a dealer separately to discuss purchasing a truck that matches your build or to order one if it is not in stock.

Can I change my build after I save it?

Yes. If you saved a build via a link, you can usually open that link again and modify the configuration. The changes will update the price and generate a new link if you save again. If you saved via your Chevrolet account, you can edit the build from your account dashboard.

What if the exact truck I built is not in stock at my local dealer?

Dealers can order a truck built to your specifications from Chevrolet, though lead times vary. Some dealers charge a non-refundable deposit to place a factory order. Discuss timelines and deposit policies with the dealer before committing.

Does the builder show me trucks available right now?

No. The builder is for configuring a truck to your preferences and seeing its MSRP. To see actual inventory at nearby dealers, use Chevrolet's inventory search tool (also on their website) or contact dealers directly. Inventory changes daily.

Are the colors and options I see in the builder the same across all model years?

No. Colors, available engines, trim levels, and packages change from year to year. The builder shows only the options available for the model year you selected, so if you are comparing a current year to next year, you will need to build both separately.