<p>A polymer matrix with a natural fiber combination is popular in automotive applications, such as cabinets, roofs, and door panels, due to its enhanced tensile strength, lightweight nature, cost-effectiveness, and ease of recycling. However, this composite faces challenges related to high moisture absorption, as hemicellulose limits the roughness of the fiber, and reduced load-bearing capacity influences the mechanical characteristics of the composite. Current research objectives are enriching the quality of fiber, reducing the moisture absorption behavior and enhancing the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) composite made with 15% (by wt) abaca natural fiber (ANF), which is treated with 5% sodium hydroxide chemical/amino silane and different weight percentages (1, 3 and 5% by wt) of nanosilicon carbide (SiC) particles via hand layup assisted hot compression mold technology with an applied force of 100&#xa0;MPa. The influence of composite processing on microstructural behavior is analyzed using a high-resolution transmission electron microscope, which reveals that the fibers and nano-SiC are evenly distributed in the PP matrix with effective interfacial bonding. The PP-based hybrid nanocomposite, comprising 15% (by wt) ANF and 5% (by wt) nano-SiC, demonstrated optimal functional characteristics, including a reduced water absorption rate. Specifically, the PP/15% (by wt) ANF/5% (by wt) nano-SiC hybrid nanocomposite exhibited a maximum flexural strength of 87&#xa0;MPa, a high tensile strength of 76&#xa0;MPa, a slight improvement in impact strength (5.2&#xa0;kJ/m²), reduced elongation (6.1%), high hardness (48 HV), and low moisture absorption (4.1%). These enhanced properties make the PP/15% (by wt) ANF/5% (by wt) nano-SiC hybrid nanocomposite a promising candidate for automotive door panel applications.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>