Both the Malibu 21 LSV 2010 and the Malibu 23 vRIDE 2009 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 505 hp, the Malibu 21 LSV 2010 has a 105-hp advantage over the Malibu 23 vRIDE 2009's 400-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Malibu 23 vRIDE 2009 carries 55 gallons versus 46 gallons in the Malibu 21 LSV 2010. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu 23 vRIDE 2009 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Malibu 21 LSV 2010 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu 23 vRIDE 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu 23 vRIDE 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 13 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu 21 LSV 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.