A hybrid engine control system comprises a hybrid engine control module and a torque mitigation module. The hybrid engine control module selectively stops an internal combustion engine (ICE). The hybrid engine control module selectively starts the ICE based upon driver inputs and non-driver inputs. The torque mitigation module reduces torque transfer from the ICE to a driveline while the ICE is started based upon the non-driver inputs and maintains torque transfer from the ICE to the driveline while the ICE is started based upon the driver inputs. A method comprises selectively stopping an internal combustion engine (ICE); selectively starting the ICE based upon driver inputs and non-driver inputs; reducing torque transfer from the ICE to a driveline while the ICE is started based upon the non-driver inputs; and maintaining torque transfer from the ICE to the driveline while the ICE is started based upon the driver inputs.