Hybrid vehicle and associated engine start and stop control method

A method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle having an engine and a traction motor, comprising:

• by a controller,
• adjusting a gear number in response to driver activation of upshift and downshift selectors;
• when the gear number is less than or equal to a predefined value, stopping the engine when the vehicle is stationary with a brake pedal depressed and starting the engine in response to brake pedal release;
• and
• when the gear number exceeds the predefined value, using the traction motor to propel the vehicle with the engine off.

A vehicle comprising:

• an engine;
• a traction motor;
• a shift lever;
• a brake pedal;
• and
• a controller programmed to
• stop the engine when the vehicle is stationary with the brake pedal depressed;
• command the traction motor to propel the vehicle with the engine off when the shift lever is in a first drive position;
• and
• start the engine in response to brake pedal release when the shift lever is in a second drive position.