While a vehicle is coasting with an engine being automatically stopped and a power transmission path between the engine and wheels being disengaged, when a deceleration request is made and the engine is restarted with the power transmission path being engaged, a deceleration level increases relative to the deceleration level required by a driver or the vehicle, thereby lowering drivability. A vehicle control apparatus includes a deceleration level control unit that controls the deceleration level of the vehicle such that, during travelling of the vehicle continuing to travel with a power transmission mechanism between the engine and the wheels being disengaged, when the deceleration request is made and the engine is started by an engagement of the power transmission mechanism, the deceleration level becomes a target deceleration level calculated from a first target deceleration level generated after the engagement of the power transmission mechanism is complete and a second target deceleration level generated in response to the deceleration request.