A hybrid vehicle includes a traction battery having a battery fan, an engine, an electric machine coupled to the battery, and a controller or at least one powertrain module having a controller. The controller is programmed to respond to a change in a user selected powertrain operating mode to a performance mode. This change may occur while a pedal demand is generally constant. The controller may increase an available power of the battery to drive the electric machine without altering state of charge operating limits of the battery. The increase in available power of the battery may include increasing a state of charge of the battery or reducing the battery temperature such that a current may flow from the battery for a longer time period. Also, the overall available power for the vehicle may include operation of the engine at a higher rotational speed.