The spec sheets list the Malibu Response FXi 2011 as modified vee and the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 as v25 diamond, so check how each hull rides in the conditions you use before you decide.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Malibu Response FXi 2011 at 20,0 ft versus Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 tips the scales at 3 800 lbs - 600 lbs less than the Malibu Response FXi 2011 at 3 200 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 450 hp, the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 has a 40-hp advantage over the Malibu Response FXi 2011's 410-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 Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 carries 55 gallons versus 40 gallons in the Malibu Response FXi 2011. 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 Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu Response FXi 2011 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 14 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Response FXi 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.