Abstract SiC nanoparticles play an important role in Cu–MWCNTs nanocomposites. So far, the effect of SiC volume fraction has not been considered on the properties of Cu–MWCNTs–SiC hybrid nanocomposites. Copper-based hybrid nanocomposites with 2 vol.% carbon nanotubes and 1–3 vol.% SiC nanoparticles were prepared via powder metallurgy. The composite powders were compacted and then sintered at 850, 900 and 950 °C for 1 h. Increasing the volume fraction of SiC nanoparticles restricts the grain growth, decreases the friction coefficient, and increases the hardness and wear resistance of prepared nanocomposites. The coefficient of friction and wear rate of Cu–MWCNTs–SiC hybrid nanocomposites decreased with increasing SiC content. Nanocomposites sintered at 900 °C exhibited higher hardness and wear resistance compared to other samples. The highest hardness and wear resistance were related to the Cu-2 vol.% MWCNTs-3 vol.%SiC hybrid nanocomposite sintered at 900 °C, which shows approximately 24 and 78% improvement over the pure copper specimen, respectively. Wear resistance and hardness were reduced for samples sintered at 950 °C.