A vehicle control system configured to operate a vehicle in line with a driver's intention in respective operating mode. An operating mode of the vehicle is select from a normal mode in which a first acceleration characteristic is employed, and a sport mode in which a second acceleration characteristic to propel the vehicle in a dynamic manner is employed. In the normal mode, a controller increases a target acceleration with an increase in depression of an accelerator at a first change rate, and decreases the target acceleration with an increase in a vehicle speed at a second change rate. In the sport mode, the controller increases the target acceleration with an increase in depression of the accelerator at the first change rate, and decreases the target acceleration with an increase in the vehicle speed at a third change rate smaller than the second change rate.