Abstract: A system includes a clutch control module, a shift control module, and a torque control module. The clutch control module is configured to generate a release command signal to switch a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) from a locked state to a freewheel state. When the SOWC is in the locked state, a transmission transfers torque from an engine to a driveline and from the driveline to the engine. When the SOWC is in the freewheel state, the transmission transfers torque from the engine to the driveline and but not from the driveline to the engine. The shift control module is configured to generate a shift command signal to shift the transmission from a first gear to a second gear after the release command signal is generated. The torque control module is configured to increase an output torque of the engine for a period when the shift command signal is generated.