The spec sheets list the Malibu Ride XTi 2006 as modified vee and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 as v25 wake, 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 Ride XTi 2006 at 21,0 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 tips the scales at 3 700 lbs - 800 lbs less than the Malibu Ride XTi 2006 at 2 900 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 400 hp for the Malibu Ride XTi 2006 and 400 hp for the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 carries 47 gallons versus 37 gallons in the Malibu Ride XTi 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 Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu Ride XTi 2006 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 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 Ride XTi 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.