What the Tesla Configurator Does
The Tesla configurator is an online tool on Tesla's website where you select a vehicle model, choose colors, wheels, interior materials, and optional features, then see the price update in real time. You do not buy the car through the configurator — you use it to explore what you want and what it costs, then decide whether to place an order. The configurator shows you the exact price for your selections, including any applicable incentives that Tesla displays at that moment.
The tool works the same way whether you are shopping for a Model 3, Model Y, Model S, or Model X. You start by picking a model, then move through each customization screen one at a time. At the end, you see a summary of your configuration and the total price. From there, you can save your configuration, share it, or proceed to place an order if you are ready.
Key Takeaways
- The Tesla configurator lets you build a custom car online and see the price update as you make choices, but you do not complete a purchase through it.
- You start by selecting a model and trim level, then customize exterior color, wheels, interior, and optional features in sequence.
- The final price shown includes the base price, your selected options, and any incentives Tesla is currently advertising — but does not include taxes, delivery fees, or registration.
- You can save a configuration to your Tesla account, share it with others via a link, or start over with a different model at any time.
- Prices and available options change periodically, so the configurator always shows current pricing and what is actually in stock or available to order.
How to Start Building a Configuration
Go to Tesla.com and look for the "Shop" or "Build and Price" link, usually at the top of the page. Click it and you will see all four vehicle models displayed as large tiles. Select the model you want to explore — for example, Model Y. The configurator will then show you the available trim levels for that model, such as Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range, or Performance, each with its own starting price.
Click the trim level you are interested in. This is your first major choice because trim determines the battery range, motor configuration, and base features. Once you select a trim, the configurator moves you to the next screen where you customize the exterior. Do not worry about locking in your choice yet — you can go back and change your trim at any point before you place an order.
Choosing Exterior Color and Wheels
After you select a trim, the configurator shows you available exterior colors. Tesla typically offers five to seven colors, including solid options like Pearl White Multi-Coat and Solid Black, plus metallic finishes like Midnight Silver Metallic or Ultra Violet. Each color has the same price, though some are listed as "no charge" and others show an upcharge — check the price next to each option. The configurator displays a preview of your selected color on the vehicle image as you hover over each choice.
Next comes wheel selection. Tesla offers two to four wheel designs per model, ranging from 18-inch to 21-inch sizes. Larger wheels typically cost more and reduce range slightly because they are heavier and create more rolling resistance. The configurator shows the price difference for each wheel option and updates the estimated range at the bottom of the screen. Select the wheels you prefer and move forward.
Selecting Interior and Seats
The interior screen lets you choose seat material and color. Most Tesla models offer black as standard and charge extra for white or cream-colored seats. Some models also offer a choice between standard synthetic leather and premium leather or vegan leather. The configurator shows a photo of each interior option so you can see the exact shade and texture. Seat color and material do not affect range, but they do affect price — premium options typically add $1,000 to $2,500 to the total.
You may also see an option to add a glass roof or panoramic sunroof on this screen, depending on the model. These are usually listed as separate line items with their own prices. Select your interior preferences and continue to the next section.
Adding Optional Features and Technology
The final customization screen shows optional add-ons such as Autopilot, Full Self-Driving capability, premium audio upgrades, towing packages, or heated seats. These vary by model — a Model 3 will show different options than a Model X. Each option displays its price clearly. Some options bundle together (for example, a towing package might include a hitch, wiring, and software), while others are standalone. Read the description next to each option to understand what you are adding.
This is also where you will see any current incentives or discounts Tesla is offering. If you are in a state or country with tax credits or rebates, Tesla may display those on this screen or note them separately. The total price at the bottom updates every time you add or remove an option, so you can see the cost impact of each choice when ready.
Reviewing Your Configuration and Next Steps
Once you finish selecting all options, the configurator shows you a summary page with your complete configuration: model, trim, color, wheels, interior, and all add-ons, along with the total price. This price does not include taxes, delivery fees, or registration costs — those are calculated later if you place an order. At this point, you have three choices: save the configuration to your Tesla account, share it with someone else via a link, or proceed to place an order.
If you save the configuration, you can return to it later from your Tesla account and make changes or place an order whenever you are ready. If you share it, the recipient can view your exact selections and pricing but cannot modify it without creating their own configuration. If you proceed to order, Tesla will ask for your contact information, delivery address, and payment method. The order process happens after the configurator, not within it.
Understanding Price Changes and Availability
Tesla updates prices and available options regularly — sometimes weekly or monthly. If you saved a configuration weeks ago and return to it, the price may have changed or certain options may no longer be available. The configurator always shows current pricing and current inventory status. If an option is no longer offered, the configurator will remove it from your saved configuration or show it as unavailable.
Delivery times also vary. The configurator may show an estimated delivery window based on your location and current production schedules, but this is an estimate and can shift. When you place an order, Tesla provides a more specific delivery date range. If you are only exploring prices and options without ordering, the configurator gives you a realistic picture of what a car with your selections would cost right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to order a car after I use the configurator?
No. The configurator is a shopping and pricing tool only. You can build as many configurations as you want, save them, share them, or walk away without ordering. Building a configuration does not commit you to anything.
Can I change my configuration after I place an order?
That depends on how far along your order is. If your car has not started production, you can usually make changes through your Tesla account. Once production begins, changes become limited or impossible. Contact Tesla directly through your account if you want to modify an order.
Why does the configurator show a different price than what I see elsewhere?
The configurator shows the current price for your exact configuration at that moment. Prices change frequently, and different regions or countries may have different pricing due to taxes, tariffs, or local incentives. Always check the configurator for the most current price.
Does the configurator price include taxes and delivery?
No. The configurator shows the vehicle price and any options you selected, but not taxes, delivery fees, registration, or title costs. Those are added during checkout if you place an order, and they vary by location.
Can I see how much range I lose by choosing larger wheels?
Yes. The configurator displays estimated range at the bottom of the screen and updates it as you change wheels, interior options, and add-ons. Larger wheels and heavier features reduce range slightly, and the tool shows you the difference.