This paper presents a novel design of a fuzzy control strategy (FCS) based on torque distribution for parallel hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). An empirical load-regulating vehicle operation strategy is developed on the basis of analysis of the components efficiency map data and the overall energy conversion efficiency. The aim of the strategy is to optimize the fuel economy and balance the battery state-of-charge (SOC), while satisfying the vehicle performance and drivability requirements. In order to accomplish this strategy, a fuzzy inference engine with a rule-base extracted from the empirical strategy is designed, which works as the kernel of a fuzzy torque distribution controller to determine the optimal distribution of the driver torque request between the engine and the motor. Simulation results reveal that compared with the conventional strategy which uses precise threshold parameters the proposed FCS improves fuel economy as well as maintains better battery SOC within its operation range.