Disclosed are a device and method for controlling a traveling characteristic of a vehicle. The device includes: a user terminal configured to configure and display a screen for a setting mode, on which a parameter value that determines drivability and traveling characteristic of the vehicle is displayed and from which a driver performs a change and a setting to the displayed parameter value; a controller configured to be provided in the vehicle, to receive a parameter value that results from the driver performing the change and the setting, from the user terminal, and to apply the received parameter value to control logic for controlling a traveling state of the vehicle; and a communication unit configured to be provided in the vehicle and to make a connection between the user terminal and the control unit in such a manner that transmission and reception of the parameter value are possible.