What Hyundai's Build and Price tool does
Hyundai's Build and Price tool is an online calculator on Hyundai's website where you pick a model, add options and colors, and see the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for that exact combination. You do not buy anything through it — you are just seeing what Hyundai suggests the car should cost before dealer markup, incentives, or your local taxes and fees.
The tool shows you the base price of the car you choose, then adds the cost of each upgrade or package you select. It also displays what features come standard at each trim level, so you can understand what you are paying for at each step up. When you finish building, you can save the configuration, print it, or send it to a dealer.
Key Takeaways
- The MSRP the tool shows is Hyundai's suggested price, not what you will actually pay — dealers can charge more or less, and incentives may lower the final cost.
- You can see exactly which features and upgrades cost extra, so you know whether a higher trim level or an add-on package is worth the money to you.
- The tool lets you compare different models and configurations side by side, which helps you decide whether a cheaper base model with upgrades costs more or less than a higher trim.
- Once you build a car, you can share the configuration with a dealer or use it to shop around and see what different dealers will actually charge.
How to access and use the tool
Go to Hyundai's main website and look for a link labeled "Build and Price" — it is usually on the homepage or in the "Shop" or "Vehicles" section. Click it, then select the model you want to explore (Elantra, Santa Fe, Tucson, and so on). The tool will show you the available trim levels for that model.
Start with the base trim or whichever one interests you. The tool will display the starting MSRP and list what comes standard. Then scroll through the available options — exterior colors, interior colors, wheel upgrades, technology packages, safety packages — and click to add each one. The price updates in real time as you add selections. When you are done, the final MSRP appears at the top or bottom of the screen.
Understanding MSRP versus what you actually pay
The price the tool shows is the manufacturer's suggested retail price, which is Hyundai's recommendation to dealers. It is not a binding price. Dealers can charge more (called a markup or dealer markup), charge less (called a discount), or offer incentives like rebates or low-interest financing that reduce what you owe.
The tool also does not include destination charges (the cost to ship the car from the factory to the dealer), dealer fees, sales tax, registration, or title fees. These vary by location and dealer, so the final bill will be higher than what the tool shows. When you are ready to buy, you will negotiate the actual price with a dealer, and that is where the real number emerges.
Comparing trim levels and packages
One of the most useful things the Build and Price tool does is let you see whether it costs more to buy a lower trim with upgrades or a higher trim with fewer add-ons. For example, you might find that a base Tucson with a technology package costs $28,000, while the mid-level trim with that same technology built in costs $27,500. The tool makes that comparison visible in seconds.
You can also build multiple configurations and save them, then come back to compare them later. Some versions of the tool let you view two builds side by side, so you can see exactly which features differ and whether the price gap justifies the change. This is especially helpful if you are torn between two models or two trim levels.
Saving and sharing your configuration
Once you finish building a car, the tool usually offers a button to save, print, or email the configuration. If you save it, you can return to it later without rebuilding from scratch. If you print or email it, you have a record of the exact model, trim, color, and options you want, along with the MSRP.
You can then take that configuration to a dealer and use it as a starting point for negotiation. Dealers often appreciate a customer who has already decided what they want, because it speeds up the conversation. You can also use the printout to shop around — send it to multiple dealers and ask what they would charge for that exact car, so you can compare their actual offers.
What the tool does not tell you
The Build and Price tool shows you price and features, but it does not show you real-world fuel economy, reliability data, safety ratings, or how the car performs in different conditions. It also does not show current incentives or financing rates — those change frequently and vary by region and credit profile. You will need to check Hyundai's incentives page or call dealers to learn what discounts or financing offers are running right now.
The tool also does not account for dealer inventory. A dealer may not have the exact color and option combination you built, so you might have to choose from what is actually on the lot or wait for the car to be ordered. That is a conversation to have with the dealer after you have decided what you want.
Using the tool as part of your shopping process
The Build and Price tool works best as an early step in your research, not the final step. Use it to understand what features cost extra, to compare models, and to narrow down which trim level and options make sense for your budget. Then move to the next steps: reading reviews, checking safety ratings, test-driving the cars you are considering, and talking to dealers about what they actually have in stock and what they will charge.
When you are ready to negotiate, bring your saved configuration with you or print it out. It gives you and the dealer a clear starting point and shows you have done your homework. That clarity often leads to a faster, more straightforward negotiation than starting from scratch on the dealer's lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a car directly through the Build and Price tool?
No. The tool shows you prices and lets you build a configuration, but you cannot buy through it. Once you have decided what you want, you will contact a dealer to discuss availability, negotiate the actual price, and complete the purchase.
Does the price include delivery and taxes?
No. The MSRP shown is before destination charges, sales tax, registration, title fees, and any dealer fees. These are added on top and vary by location and dealer. Ask the dealer for a full breakdown of all costs before you commit.
Will a dealer honor the MSRP from the tool?
Not necessarily. The MSRP is a suggestion, and dealers can charge more or less. Some dealers will match it, some will charge a markup, and some may offer a discount. That is why shopping around and negotiating is important.
Can I see what incentives are available right now?
The Build and Price tool does not show current incentives or financing rates. Check Hyundai's website for a current incentives page, or call dealers directly to ask what rebates, low-interest financing, or other offers they have this month.
What if the exact car I built is not in stock?
Most dealers can order a car to your specifications, though it may take several weeks. You can also ask the dealer to show you similar cars they have in stock and negotiate from there. Your saved configuration gives the dealer a clear picture of what you want, which makes ordering easier.