Use Ford's Official Build and Price Tool to See Real Costs
Ford's Build and Price tool on Ford.com lets you configure a Mustang exactly as you want it, then shows you the final price before you contact a dealer. You start by choosing your model year, body style (coupe or convertible), and trim level, then add options one at a time. The price updates after each selection so you see exactly what each feature costs.
The tool is free to use and requires no account or personal information. You can save your configuration by creating a Ford account, which lets you email the build to yourself or send it to a nearby dealer. Many people use this to compare prices across dealers or to have a conversation starter when visiting a showroom.
Key Takeaways
- Ford's Build and Price tool shows the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for each configuration, but actual dealer prices may differ based on local market conditions and dealer inventory.
- You can choose from multiple trim levels (EcoBoost, GT, Dark Horse, and others depending on model year), each with different standard features and price points.
- Adding popular options like upgraded engines, performance packages, or premium audio systems increases the price incrementally, and the tool shows the cost of each addition.
- Saving your build and sending it to a dealer gives you a reference point for negotiation, though the dealer's actual offer may include markups, destination charges, or regional fees.
Start by Selecting Your Trim Level and Body Style
The first step in the Build and Price tool is choosing whether you want a coupe (closed roof) or convertible (retractable top). Convertibles cost more than coupes of the same trim. Next, you pick your trim level. Ford typically offers EcoBoost (the base model with a smaller engine), GT (the traditional performance model), and Dark Horse (a newer option positioned between EcoBoost and GT). Some model years add additional trims. Each trim comes with different standard features—for example, a GT usually includes a more powerful engine and upgraded suspension compared to an EcoBoost.
The tool displays the starting MSRP for each trim as you select it. This is the price before any options, destination charges, taxes, or dealer fees. Write down or save the base price for the trim you're interested in, because this is the number you'll use to compare across dealers.
Add Engine and Performance Options
After you choose your trim, the tool lets you select an engine if your trim offers more than one. For example, an EcoBoost Mustang may let you upgrade from a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine to a 5.0-liter V8, and the tool shows the cost difference. Performance packages—which bundle upgrades like suspension tuning, brakes, and cooling systems—appear as single-line options rather than requiring you to pick each piece separately.
The tool also shows transmission choices if available. Some trims come with a manual transmission as standard, while others default to automatic. Switching between them changes the price. Pay attention to whether a performance package includes items you would have chosen anyway, because bundled options sometimes cost less than buying each piece individually.
Choose Exterior and Interior Customizations
Once you've locked in the engine and performance options, the tool moves to appearance. You can select paint color, wheel design and size, and interior trim materials (leather, cloth, or synthetic). Each paint color has a base price, and some premium or metallic finishes cost extra. Larger wheels typically cost more than smaller ones and may affect fuel economy and ride quality.
Interior options include seat material, dashboard trim, and steering wheel type. Leather seats, for example, usually add several hundred dollars. The tool shows each choice's cost before you move forward. Some interior packages bundle multiple upgrades (like leather seats, premium trim, and upgraded climate control) at a set price, which can be cheaper than selecting each item separately.
Add Technology and Comfort Features
The technology section includes infotainment systems, driver information features, and premium audio upgrades. A larger touchscreen, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), and navigation systems are typically bundled into packages rather than sold individually. Premium audio systems from brands like B&O Sound or Bang & Olufsen cost significantly more than the standard system but appeal to drivers who spend a lot of time in the car.
Driver information features—like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, or parking sensors—may be available as standalone options or as part of a safety package. The tool lists what each package includes, so you can decide whether you want all the features or if a smaller package meets your needs. Some features are standard on higher trims and cost extra on lower ones.
Review Your Total Price and Understand What It Includes
Once you've made all your selections, the tool displays your final MSRP. This is the manufacturer's suggested retail price—the number Ford recommends dealers charge. It includes the base vehicle, all options you selected, and a destination charge (the cost to ship the car from the factory to a dealer near you). Destination charges vary by region but typically run $1,000 to $1,500.
The MSRP does not include taxes, registration fees, dealer documentation fees, or dealer markup. These are added when you actually purchase from a dealer. Some dealers charge above MSRP in high-demand markets; others discount below it. The Build and Price tool gives you the starting point for negotiation, not the final price you'll pay. Save or print your configuration so you can reference it when you contact dealers or visit a showroom.
Send Your Build to Dealers or Save It for Later
After you finish building your Mustang, you have two options. You can create a free Ford account and save the configuration to your profile, which lets you return to it later and make changes. You can also email the build to yourself or send it directly to Ford dealers in your area. When you send it to a dealer, they receive your configuration and can contact you with pricing and availability information.
Sending your build to multiple dealers gives you a way to compare how different dealers price the same vehicle. Some dealers may have the exact configuration in stock; others may need to order it from Ford. Dealers typically respond within one to three business days. Having your build saved also makes it easier to adjust options if you want to see how different choices affect the final price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSRP shown in Build and Price what I'll actually pay?
No. The MSRP is Ford's suggested retail price before taxes, registration, dealer fees, and dealer markup. Your actual price depends on the dealer, local market demand, and your negotiating position. Use the MSRP as a reference point, not a final quote.
Can I order a Mustang directly from Ford using Build and Price?
No. Build and Price is an information tool only. You must purchase through a Ford dealer. After you build your Mustang, you can send the configuration to a dealer, call them with your build details, or visit in person and show them what you want.
Does Build and Price show me cars in stock at nearby dealers?
The tool does not show inventory. It only lets you configure a vehicle and see the MSRP for that configuration. To learn about a dealer has your exact build in stock or how long an order would take, you need to contact the dealer directly or use Ford's inventory search on their website.
What if I want to change my build after I save it?
If you created a Ford account and saved your build, you can log back in and modify any option. The price updates automatically. You can save multiple builds to compare different configurations side by side.
Does the price include delivery to my home?
The MSRP includes destination charges (shipping from the factory to a dealer), not delivery to your home. Some dealers offer delivery as part of the sale; others charge extra. Ask the dealer about delivery options when you're ready to purchase.