When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Malibu Response LX 2012 and the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — 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 2012 at 2,0 ft versus Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 at 2,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Response LX 2012 tips the scales at 245 lbs — 213 lbs more than the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 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 Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 tops out at 410 hp. Engine specs for the Malibu Response LX 2012 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 carries 48 gallons versus 33 gallons in the Malibu Response LX 2012. 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 2011 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Response LX 2012 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 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 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 Response LX 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.