A vehicle control device includes a control unit configured to execute free-run traveling in which an engine is stopped and a clutch that transmits power of the engine to a drive wheel is disengaged, at a time acceleration is not requested during traveling. The control unit is configured to prohibit upshifting of a continuously variable transmission at least during execution of the free-run traveling, drive the engine from the free-run traveling state in response to an acceleration request, and upshift the continuously variable transmission at a time of returning to a normal traveling state in which the clutch is engaged.