What the Ford Configurator Does
The Ford Configurator is an online tool on Ford's website that lets you build a vehicle from the ground up by choosing the model, color, trim level, engine, and features you want. As you make selections, the tool shows you the price in real time, including the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and any applicable fees. It does not let you purchase directly — instead, it generates a summary you can print, email to yourself, or take to a Ford dealership to discuss financing and final pricing.
The tool is free to use and requires no login or personal information. You can start over as many times as you want, compare different configurations side by side, and save your work to revisit later. The prices shown reflect Ford's current pricing structure, though your actual out-the-door cost will depend on your location, local taxes, dealer markup, and any incentives you may be offered.
Key Takeaways
- The Ford Configurator shows you the MSRP and base price for each combination of model, trim, engine, and options you select.
- The tool does not include destination charges, taxes, or dealer fees — those are added when you visit a dealership or finance through Ford Credit.
- You can save your configuration and email it to yourself or a dealer, but the price quote is not binding and may change based on current incentives.
- The configurator works on desktop and mobile browsers and does not require you to create an account or provide contact information.
How to Start Building Your Vehicle
Go to Ford's official website and look for the "Build and Price" or "Configurator" link, usually found in the main navigation menu or under the "Shop" section. Click it to begin. The first step is to select which Ford model you want to configure — F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Escape, or whichever vehicle interests you. Once you choose a model, the tool will show you the available trim levels for that model year.
Trim levels are the main packages Ford offers for each model, and they determine what features come standard. A base trim (often called "Regular Cab" or "XL") includes fewer features and costs less; higher trims like "King Ranch" or "Platinum" add leather, advanced technology, and comfort features at a higher price. Select the trim that matches your budget and desired feature set, and the configurator will move you to the next step.
Choosing Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain
After you pick a trim, the tool shows you the engine and transmission options available for that trim. Some trims offer only one engine; others let you upgrade to a larger or more powerful option. The configurator displays the price difference for each choice, so you can see exactly how much a V8 costs compared to a V6, or an all-wheel-drive system compared to rear-wheel drive.
Pay attention to fuel economy estimates, which the tool usually displays next to each engine option. These are EPA estimates and reflect real-world driving patterns, though your actual mileage will vary based on how and where you drive. If towing capacity or payload matters to you, the configurator will show those specs for each engine and drivetrain combination so you can compare before you commit to a choice.
Selecting Colors, Wheels, and Interior Options
Once you have locked in the engine and drivetrain, the configurator lets you choose exterior color, wheel style, and interior trim material. Exterior colors are usually grouped by price — some colors cost more than the base "Solid" colors because they require extra paint layers or specialty finishes. The tool shows a preview of your vehicle in the color you select, which helps you visualize the final result.
Wheel options range from standard steel wheels to premium alloy designs, and each choice affects the price and appearance. Interior materials include cloth, cloth-and-leather blends, and full leather, with prices increasing at each step. The configurator displays the price for each combination, so you can see the cumulative effect of your choices before you move to the final step.
Adding Optional Packages and Features
The configurator then shows you available option packages — bundled sets of features that Ford offers at a discount compared to buying each feature separately. For example, a "Technology Package" might include a larger touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and advanced driver information features. You can add or remove packages one at a time, and the price updates when ready.
Below the packages, you will see individual options you can add — things like a sunroof, heated seats, a towing package, or a premium sound system. Some options are only available if you have already selected a certain trim or package, and the configurator will gray out unavailable choices so you do not waste time trying to add them. As you add options, the total price climbs, giving you a clear picture of how much each feature costs.
Understanding the Price Breakdown
At the end of the configuration process, the tool displays a detailed price summary. This includes the base MSRP for your trim, the cost of any engine or drivetrain upgrades, the price of each option package and individual feature, and the total MSRP for your configured vehicle. The summary does not include destination and delivery charges (usually $1,000 to $1,500 depending on the model), taxes, registration fees, or dealer documentation fees.
The price shown is Ford's manufacturer's suggested retail price — what Ford recommends dealers charge. In practice, dealers often negotiate below MSRP, especially on outgoing model years or during sales events. The configurator does not account for current incentives, rebates, or dealer discounts, so the final price you pay may be lower than what the tool shows. You can print or email your configuration to take to a dealership and use it as a starting point for negotiation.
Saving and Sharing Your Configuration
Most Ford configurators let you save your build by generating a unique link or code. You can bookmark this link to return to your exact configuration later, or email it to yourself as a reminder. Some versions let you email the configuration directly to a Ford dealership, which can be useful if you want a dealer to provide a formal quote or discuss financing options.
If you are shopping with a partner or family member, you can save multiple configurations and compare them side by side. This is helpful if you are torn between two trim levels or engine options — building both and comparing the price difference makes the decision clearer. Keep in mind that saved configurations are based on current pricing, so if you return to a saved build weeks or months later, the price may have changed due to model year updates or new incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the configurator price include taxes and dealer fees?
No. The price shown is the MSRP only. Taxes, destination charges, registration, and dealer documentation fees are added when you visit a dealership or finance through Ford Credit. Your actual out-the-door cost will be higher than the configurator total.
Can I buy directly from the configurator?
No. The configurator is a planning and pricing tool only. Once you have built your vehicle, you must visit a Ford dealership to negotiate price, arrange financing, and complete the purchase. You can print or email your configuration to bring to the dealer.
Does the price include current rebates or incentives?
No. The configurator shows the base MSRP without rebates, incentives, or dealer discounts. Ford's incentive offers change frequently and vary by region and model year. Ask your dealer what current offers explore to your configuration.
What if I want to compare the same vehicle at different dealerships?
Save your configuration and email it to multiple dealers. Each dealer can then provide a quote based on their current pricing, incentives, and any dealer-specific discounts. This lets you compare offers without building the vehicle multiple times.
Can I change my configuration after I save it?
Yes. If you have a saved link or code, you can return to it and modify any selection — color, trim, options, everything. The price will update to reflect your changes. You can save as many versions as you want and compare them.