Control systems and methods for a vehicle comprising an automatic transmission utilize a sensor configured to measure an operating parameter of an engine of the vehicle. A controller of the vehicle is configured to detect an imminent shift of the automatic transmission based on the measured operating parameter of the engine. In response to detecting the imminent shift of the automatic transmission, the controller is configured to decrease torque output of the engine by a desired amount by enleaning an air/fuel charge provided to a cylinder of the engine. After decreasing the torque output of the engine by the desired amount, the controller is configured to control the automatic transmission to perform the shift. The decreasing of the engine torque output provides for a smoother shift of the automatic transmission and increased engine fuel economy.