Both the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 and the Malibu Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2013 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 at 23,0 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2013 at 24,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2013 tips the scales at 4 800 lbs - 900 lbs less than the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 at 3 900 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 555 hp, the Malibu Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2013 has a 105-hp advantage over the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013's 450-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 Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2013 carries 78 gallons versus 56 gallons in the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013. 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 Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2013 is rated for 18 passengers, while the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 caps at 15. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 18 passengers and at 24,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 15 that costs less to run day-to-day.