What the Chevy Configurator Does
The Chevy configurator is an online tool on Chevrolet's website that lets you build a vehicle step-by-step, choosing the model, color, interior, engine, and features you want. It shows you the price as you make each choice, so you can see how options affect the total cost. When you finish, you can save your configuration, print it, email it to a dealer, or use it as a starting point for a purchase.
The tool does not reserve a vehicle or lock in a price — it creates a specification sheet that reflects current pricing and available inventory. Dealers use these configurations to locate matching vehicles on their lot or order one built to your exact choices.
Key Takeaways
- The Chevy configurator walks you through model selection, exterior color, interior trim, powertrain, and optional packages in a set order.
- The price shown updates in real time as you add or remove options, so you can see exactly what each choice costs.
- You can save your configuration to your Chevy account, email it to a dealer, or print it to bring to a showroom.
- The configurator shows which options are available for your chosen model and powertrain — some packages cannot be combined.
- A saved configuration is not a reservation; dealers use it to find or build a matching vehicle, and final pricing may vary by location and current incentives.
How to Start Building Your Vehicle
Go to Chevrolet.com and look for a button labeled "Build and Price" or "Configure" — the exact wording changes by model year, but it is usually near the top of the page or in the vehicle selector. Click it and you will land on a page showing Chevy's current lineup.
Select the model you want — for example, Silverado, Equinox, or Malibu. The configurator will then show you available model years and trim levels for that vehicle. Choose the trim that matches your budget and needs. Trim levels typically range from base (fewer standard features) to high (more included), and each has a starting price listed.
Once you pick a trim, the configurator moves to the next step. You cannot skip around — you go through exterior color, interior, engine, and packages in order. This structure keeps the process straightforward and prevents you from selecting incompatible options.
Choosing Color, Interior, and Powertrain
After selecting your trim, you will choose exterior paint color. The configurator shows available colors for your model and displays the price difference — some colors cost more than the base color. You can see a preview of your vehicle in each color choice.
Next comes interior color and material. You might choose black leather, gray cloth, or other combinations depending on what your trim level offers. Again, some interiors carry an upcharge. The configurator shows which combinations are available — you cannot pair every interior with every exterior color.
Then you select your powertrain: engine type (V6, V8, turbocharged four-cylinder, electric, hybrid, or diesel depending on the model) and transmission. Each powertrain option shows its own price adjustment. Fuel economy estimates appear here so you can compare efficiency across choices. Some trims come with only one engine option; others let you upgrade.
Adding Packages and Individual Options
After powertrain, the configurator shows available packages — bundled groups of features sold together at a discount compared to buying them separately. A package might include a sunroof, premium sound system, and navigation as one purchase. The configurator lists what is in each package and its price.
You can usually add multiple packages if they do not conflict. Some packages are incompatible — for example, you cannot add both a towing package and a luxury package if they require different suspension systems. The configurator will not let you select conflicting options; it either grays them out or shows a warning.
Below packages, you often find individual options: heated seats, remote start, roof racks, or specific technology features. These are sold one at a time and stack on top of any packages you chose. The running total updates with each selection.
Understanding the Price Breakdown
As you build, the configurator displays a price summary showing the base price of your trim, then lists each option and package with its cost. At the bottom is your total, which includes the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for your exact configuration. This price does not include destination charges, taxes, dealer fees, or incentives — those vary by location and change frequently.
The price shown is what Chevrolet suggests dealers charge. Actual dealer prices may be lower due to sales, rebates, or negotiation. Some options show a price of $0 — these are standard features included in your trim or package, not upgrades.
If a price seems high, you can go back to earlier steps and swap options. The total recalculates when ready, so you can experiment with different combinations to find what fits your budget.
Saving and Sharing Your Configuration
Once you finish building, the configurator offers several options. You can save it to a Chevy account (you may need to create one or log in). A saved configuration stays in your account so you can return to it later, modify it, or compare it to other builds.
You can email your configuration to a dealer directly from the tool. Enter the dealer's zip code or name, and the configurator will send them your specification sheet. This tells the dealer exactly what you want and lets them search their inventory or place a factory order for a matching vehicle.
You can also print your configuration or read it as a PDF to bring to a dealership in person. Some dealers prefer this because they can discuss your choices face-to-face and explain financing or trade-in options.
What Happens After You Share Your Configuration
When a dealer receives your configuration, they will search their current inventory for a matching vehicle. If they have one in stock, they will contact you with details and pricing. If they do not, they can place a factory order to build one to your specifications — this typically takes six to eight weeks, though timing varies by model and current production schedules.
The dealer may also discuss incentives, rebates, or promotions that could lower your final price. These change monthly and vary by region, so the price a dealer quotes may be less than the MSRP shown in the configurator. Dealer fees, documentation charges, and taxes are added at the time of purchase and are not reflected in the configurator price.
Your configuration is not a binding order or reservation. It is a communication tool that tells the dealer what you want. You are free to negotiate, walk away, or modify your choices when you visit the dealership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the configurator on my phone or tablet?
Yes, the Chevy configurator works on mobile devices, though the experience is optimized for desktop screens. On a phone, you may need to scroll more to see the full price breakdown and images. The functionality is the same across devices.
What if an option I want is not showing up in the configurator?
Some options are region-specific or available only on certain model years. If an option does not appear, it may not be offered for your chosen trim or powertrain combination. A dealer can tell you whether it is unavailable nationwide or just in your area, and whether a different trim unlocks it.
Does the configurator show me vehicles in stock near me?
No, the configurator builds a specification and lets you send it to a dealer. It does not search inventory across dealerships. Once you share your configuration with a dealer, they search their own lot and can check other nearby dealers through their network.
Can I change my configuration after I send it to a dealer?
You can modify your saved configuration in your Chevy account at any time. If you want to send an updated version to the dealer, you can email the new configuration. If the dealer has already placed a factory order, changes may not be possible depending on how far production has progressed — ask the dealer before assuming you can modify.
Is the MSRP price the same at every Chevy dealer?
The MSRP shown in the configurator is the manufacturer's suggested price and is the same nationwide for the same configuration. However, dealers set their own selling prices, which may be higher or lower. Incentives, rebates, and dealer discounts vary by location and time of year, so your final cost depends on where and when you buy.