Al-Cu-Mg matrix composites reinforced with 5–9 vol.% nano-sized TiC_x particles were fabricated by combustion synthesis (CS) and hot pressing process combined with hot extrusion. Results showed that the tensile strength, yield strength and fracture strain of the composites were simultaneously improved compared with powder metallurgy (PM) Al-Cu-Mg alloy at 493–573 K. For instance, in comparison with Al-Cu-Mg alloy at 573 K, the tensile strength and fracture strain of 5 vol.% nano-sized TiC_x/Al-Cu-Mg composite increased by 2.4% and 196.0%, while those of the composites reinforced with 9 vol.% nano-sized TiC_x particles increased by 26.6% and 73.7%. Meanwhile, the mechanism of simultaneous increase in tensile strength and plasticity of the present composites at high temperature was discussed.