What Chevrolet's Build and Price tool does
Chevrolet's Build and Price is an online configurator on Chevrolet.com where you select a model, add options, and see the resulting price in real time. You start by choosing a vehicle — say, a Silverado or Equinox — then walk through trim level, exterior color, interior materials, technology packages, and individual features. The tool shows you the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) as you make each choice, so you can see exactly which options cost what.
The tool does not reserve a vehicle, place an order, or lock in a price. It shows you what a vehicle with your chosen configuration would cost at MSRP before any dealer discounts, incentives, or taxes. You can save your configuration, email it to yourself, or print it. Many people use it to compare two or three different models side by side, or to understand what a specific feature or package adds to the base price.
Key Takeaways
- Build and Price shows MSRP only — the sticker price before dealer markups, rebates, or regional incentives, so the final price you pay will likely differ.
- You can configure multiple vehicles and compare them, but the tool does not show what inventory is actually in stock at dealers near you.
- Saving or printing your configuration gives you a document to bring to a dealer or to compare against their quotes.
- The tool updates when Chevrolet changes model-year pricing or adds new options, but it reflects only Chevrolet's own pricing, not market conditions or dealer-specific deals.
Step-by-step walkthrough of the Build and Price process
Start at Chevrolet.com and locate the Build and Price link, usually in the top navigation or under a specific model's page. Select the model you want to configure — Chevrolet offers it for most current-year vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and sedans. The tool then asks you to choose a trim level, which is the base version of that model. Each trim level has a starting MSRP; higher trims cost more and come with more standard features.
Next, you select exterior color. Some colors are no-cost; others carry a charge, usually between $200 and $500 for metallic or pearl finishes. The tool shows the price adjustment when ready. You then move to interior choices — seat material, dashboard trim, and steering wheel type — and technology options like infotainment systems, driver-information packages, and connectivity features. Each selection updates the running total at the top or side of the screen.
At the end, you review a summary that lists the base MSRP, each option and its cost, destination charge (the fee to ship the vehicle from the factory), and the total MSRP. You can then save this configuration to your Chevrolet account, email it, or print it as a PDF. Some dealers accept these printouts as a starting point for negotiation.
Understanding MSRP versus what you actually pay
The price Build and Price shows is the manufacturer's suggested retail price — what Chevrolet recommends dealers charge. It is not the price you will pay. Dealers can and do mark up vehicles above MSRP, especially for high-demand models or in markets with low inventory. Conversely, dealers often discount below MSRP to move inventory or to compete with nearby dealers.
Build and Price also does not include rebates, incentives, or manufacturer financing offers that may be running at the time you shop. Chevrolet and its dealers periodically offer cash rebates, low-interest financing, or lease deals that reduce your effective cost. These change monthly and vary by region, trim level, and model year. Your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on the dealer's markup or discount, current incentives, your trade-in value, your down payment, and your financing terms.
Use Build and Price to understand the structure of pricing — what features cost what — and to compare models fairly. Then take that configuration to dealers and ask for their best price, which may be higher or lower than the MSRP the tool shows.
Comparing multiple vehicles and configurations
Most versions of Build and Price let you open multiple configurations in separate browser tabs or windows, so you can compare a Silverado 1500 against a Sierra 1500, or a Blazer against a Tahoe, side by side. This is useful if you are deciding between two models or trying to understand whether a higher trim of one model costs more or less than a lower trim of another.
You can also use it to see how much a specific package costs. For example, you might build a Silverado with the base trim and no options, then build the same truck with the "Z71 Off-Road Package" to see the total cost difference. This helps you decide whether a package is worth the money or whether you would rather pick individual options à la carte.
Keep in mind that Build and Price shows only pricing, not availability. It does not tell you whether a dealer near you has that exact configuration in stock. To find actual inventory, you will need to visit dealer websites or use Chevrolet's inventory search tool, which is separate from Build and Price.
What Build and Price does not show
The tool does not include taxes, registration fees, or dealer documentation charges, which vary by state and dealer. It does not show dealer-specific markups or discounts. It does not display current incentives, rebates, or financing offers — you have to check those separately on Chevrolet.Com or ask a dealer. It does not account for regional pricing differences; a Silverado may have a different MSRP in California than in Texas due to emissions regulations or other factors.
Build and Price also does not show long-term costs like insurance, fuel economy in dollars per mile, or maintenance. It does not let you compare Chevrolet vehicles to competitors from Ford, GMC, or Toyota. And it does not reserve or order a vehicle; it is purely informational. If you want to order a specific configuration, you will need to contact a dealer or use Chevrolet's order system, which is a separate process.
How to use your Build and Price configuration at a dealership
Print or save your configuration and bring it to a dealer. Show it to a salesperson and say you are interested in that specific truck or SUV with those options. The salesperson can tell you whether they have that exact vehicle in stock, whether they can order it, how long an order would take, and what price they can offer. Having a printout prevents miscommunication and gives the dealer a clear picture of what you want.
Use the MSRP from Build and Price as a reference point for negotiation, but do not treat it as a ceiling or floor. The dealer's actual offer depends on their inventory situation, current incentives, and their business strategy. If they offer significantly more or less than MSRP, ask why — it may be because of a current rebate, a dealer discount, or a market condition you were not aware of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a vehicle directly through Build and Price?
No. Build and Price is a configuration and pricing tool only. To order a vehicle, you must contact a Chevrolet dealer or use Chevrolet's separate order system through their website. The dealer will handle the actual order, financing, and delivery.
Does the price in Build and Price include destination charges?
Yes. The final total shown includes the destination charge, which is the fee Chevrolet charges to transport the vehicle from the factory to the dealer. This charge is the same across all dealers for a given model and model year.
Will the price change if I wait to buy?
Possibly. MSRP can change when Chevrolet releases a new model year or makes mid-year updates. Incentives and rebates change frequently. The price you see today may not be the price available in three months. Build and Price always shows current pricing, so check it again closer to when you plan to buy.
Can I see what colors and options are in stock near me?
Build and Price does not show inventory. Use Chevrolet's inventory search tool or visit dealer websites directly to see what vehicles are available in your area. You can then use Build and Price to understand the pricing of similar configurations.
Does Build and Price include rebates or financing offers?
No. Build and Price shows MSRP only. Current rebates, incentives, and financing offers are listed separately on Chevrolet.com and change monthly. Ask a dealer what offers explore to your specific purchase.