A method of starting an internal combustion engine includes selecting a first or a second clutch, and pressurizing the selected clutch with an auxiliary pump. The pressurized clutch is synchronized using the first and second electric machines, and then engaging. The internal combustion engine is started with the first and second electric machines. The first and second clutches may be engine reactive clutches. Selecting the first or second clutch includes determining whether an input-split or compound-split mode is requested. If the input-split mode is requested the first clutch is selected, and if the compound-split mode is requested the second clutch is selected. The first and second electric machines may be high voltage machines, configured to operate in conjunction with a high-voltage battery pack. The first and second electric machines may be configured as propulsion motors for the vehicle.