A method is provided for optimizing the cycling frequency between engine on/off states in a vehicle having a controller and auto start/auto stop functionality. The method includes detecting an engine state cycling event, measuring a plurality of vehicle operating values, and using the controller to optimize the cycling frequency via at least one of: automatically adjusting an interval between an auto start event and an auto stop event when each of a first set of the vehicle operating values exceeds a corresponding threshold, and temporarily inhibiting the auto start/auto stop functionality when any value in a second set of the vehicle operating values falls outside of a hysteresis band created around the second set. A vehicle includes an engine and a controller having an algorithm for optimizing the cycling frequency between engine on/off states as set forth above.