The Malibu Boats Response TXi 2021 vs Malibu FXi 2009 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 400 hp, the Malibu FXi 2009 has a 40-hp advantage over the Malibu Boats Response TXi 2021's 360-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 FXi 2009 carries 46 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Malibu Boats Response TXi 2021. 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 Boats Response TXi 2021 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Malibu FXi 2009 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Boats Response TXi 2021 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Boats Response TXi 2021 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 20,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu FXi 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.