The Malibu Boats M240 2022 vs Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2007 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Malibu Boats M240 2022 measures 24,0 feet overall (2022), giving it roughly 22,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2007 at 2,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Boats M240 2022 tips the scales at 6 200 lbs — 6 168 lbs more than the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2007 at 32 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 607 hp, the Malibu Boats M240 2022 has a 207-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2007's 400-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2007 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Boats M240 2022 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Boats M240 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.