A hybrid vehicle control device is provided for controlling a drive system in a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle control device is provided with a hybrid control module that begins engagement of a clutch, and cranks a transverse engine using a motor/generator as a drive source, when a request is made to start an engine in an EV mode. The hybrid control module has a “normal start mode” and a “sound and vibration prioritizing startup mode” as engine startup modes. The “normal start mode” prioritizes drive force response performance. The “sound and vibration prioritizing startup mode” prioritizes sound and vibration reduction performance. If a drive range is selected and the vehicle is stopped when an engine startup request is made, then the “sound and vibration prioritizing startup mode” is selected, and the transverse engine is started.