Both the Malibu Response LX 2006 and the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2012 are modified-V designs, 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 Response LX 2006 at 20,0 ft versus Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2012 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2012 tips the scales at 3 300 lbs - 850 lbs less than the Malibu Response LX 2006 at 2 450 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 400 hp, the Malibu Response LX 2006 has a 50-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2012's 350-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 20 LSV 2012 carries 41 gallons versus 35 gallons in the Malibu Response LX 2006. 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 20 LSV 2012 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Response LX 2006 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 11 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Response LX 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.