What the Honda Configurator Does
The Honda Configurator is an online tool on Honda's website that lets you build a vehicle step by step, choosing the model, trim level, exterior color, interior options, and packages. As you make selections, the tool updates the price in real time so you see exactly what your choices cost. It does not sell you a car or commit you to a purchase — it shows you what different combinations of features and options would cost if you bought them.
The configurator is useful because it lets you see how much each upgrade or package adds to the base price, and it shows you which options are available together. Some packages bundle features that cannot be bought separately, and the configurator makes those restrictions clear as you build.
Key Takeaways
- The Honda Configurator is a free online tool where you select a model, trim, color, and options to see the resulting price updated in real time.
- You can save or print your configured vehicle, and most dealers can look up that configuration by its reference number when you visit.
- The price shown includes the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) but does not include destination charges, taxes, or dealer-specific markups.
- The configurator shows which features come standard on each trim and which are only available as part of paid packages or add-ons.
- The final price you pay at a dealership may differ from the configurator price because dealers negotiate, offer incentives, and add their own fees.
How to Start Building a Vehicle
Go to Honda's official website and look for the "Build and Price" or "Configurator" link, usually in the main navigation or under the vehicle shopping section. Select the model year you are interested in — typically the current year and one or two prior years are available. Then choose the model line: Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, or whichever Honda model you want to explore.
Once you pick a model, the tool shows you the available trim levels for that model. Each trim is a package of standard features at a set price. The base trim costs the least; higher trims add more standard features and cost more. Select the trim that interests you, and the configurator moves to the next step.
Choosing Colors, Packages, and Add-Ons
After you choose a trim, you select exterior paint color. Honda offers solid colors, metallic finishes, and pearl finishes, and each has a different price. The configurator shows the price difference for each option as you hover over or click the color swatches.
Next, you choose interior color and material — usually a choice between fabric and leather or leather-like upholstery, with different color options for each. Then you add packages and individual options. Packages bundle related features together at a set price; for example, a "Technology Package" might include a larger touchscreen, navigation, and smartphone integration. Individual add-ons let you pick single features like a sunroof, heated seats, or a premium sound system.
The configurator shows which packages and options are compatible with your chosen trim. Some features are only available on certain trims, and some packages cannot be combined. The tool prevents you from selecting incompatible combinations, so you will not build a configuration that does not exist.
Understanding the Price Breakdown
The price displayed in the configurator is the MSRP — the manufacturer's suggested retail price. It includes the base vehicle and all the options and packages you selected. However, this price does not include destination and handling charges, which Honda adds to every vehicle and vary by region. It also does not include taxes, registration, or dealer fees.
When you visit a dealership with your configured vehicle, the actual price you negotiate may be lower than the MSRP shown in the configurator. Dealers often offer discounts, manufacturer incentives, or rebates that reduce the final cost. Conversely, some dealers add documentation fees, dealer-installed accessories, or other charges on top of the MSRP. The configurator price is a starting point, not a may provide of what you will pay.
Saving and Sharing Your Configuration
Most Honda configurators let you save your built vehicle or print it as a PDF. When you save, the tool generates a reference number or link that you can use later to pull up the same configuration. You can email this to yourself, text it to a friend, or bring it to a dealership on your phone or printed out.
If you bring your configuration to a Honda dealer, they can look it up by the reference number and use it as a starting point for a quote. Some dealers will honor the MSRP shown in the configurator, though they may offer discounts or add fees depending on their pricing and the current market. The configuration is a useful conversation starter with a salesperson, but it is not a binding offer or a price may provide.
Comparing Trims and Options Side by Side
Some Honda configurators include a comparison tool that lets you build two or three different configurations and see them side by side. This is useful if you are torn between two trims or want to see how much a particular package costs compared to buying the features individually. The comparison shows the price of each configuration and lists which standard features come with each trim.
If your configurator does not have a built-in comparison tool, you can open the tool in multiple browser tabs or windows and build different configurations in each one. Print or screenshot each configuration and compare them manually, or write down the key differences and prices.
What the Configurator Does Not Show
The configurator shows you price and feature availability, but it does not show real-time inventory at dealerships near you. To find out whether a specific configuration is actually in stock somewhere, you will need to contact dealers directly or use Honda's inventory search tool if available on their website.
The configurator also does not include financing options, trade-in value, or lease terms. Those are negotiated between you and the dealer and depend on your credit, the current market, and the specific dealership. The configurator is purely a tool for understanding what features cost and which combinations are possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a car directly from the Honda configurator?
No. The configurator is an information tool only. To order or purchase a vehicle, you must contact a Honda dealership. You can bring your configuration to a dealer, and they can help you order that exact vehicle or a similar one from their inventory.
Does the price in the configurator include destination charges?
No. The MSRP shown includes the vehicle and your selected options, but not destination and handling fees, taxes, registration, or dealer fees. Destination charges are added by Honda and vary by region; ask a dealer for the total out-the-door price.
What if I want a color or option the configurator says is not available?
Some colors and options may be regional or limited to certain model years. Contact a Honda dealership to ask whether they can order a vehicle with that specific combination. Dealers sometimes have access to options or colors not shown in the online configurator, or they can special-order a vehicle for you.
Can I use the configurator on my phone?
Most Honda configurators work on mobile browsers, though the experience may be smaller or require more scrolling than on a desktop. If the mobile version is difficult to use, try opening the configurator on a computer or tablet for a better view of the options and price updates.
Is the MSRP price the same at every Honda dealership?
The MSRP is the same across all dealers, but the final price you pay depends on the dealer's discounts, incentives, and fees. Two dealers may quote different prices for the same vehicle configuration because of their own markups, current promotions, or negotiation. Use the configurator price as a reference point, then compare quotes from multiple dealers.