The silky smooth normal gear shifts of my Sienna are far more pronounced to any passenger in my van than are the ICE start/stops in my TCH. When I ride as a passenger (often, as my daughter is on her learner's permit!!!), I have difficulty telling when the ICE starts or stops. As a driver, it is barely noticable, and always less noticeable then then a typical auto tranny gear shift. Something is wrong with your TCH.

I'm guessing that the problem might be with MG2, as it is responsible for countering the start-up/shut-down torque that is directly managed by MG1. If MG2 is out of spec (e.g., wrong Kv), the countering torque will likewise be off. If this is the problem, your stuttering would likely be much worse on ICE start-up then on shut-down. Other problems are likely problems with the engine, but most of what I think might be wrong there would likely show up in poor FE. The previously mentioned slip plate is also a good candidate for causing this stutter. Get it fixed, and proudly drive people around in your TCH!

-- Alan