The spec sheets list the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 as cut diamond and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2011 as modified vee, 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 Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 at 20,0 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2011 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2011 tips the scales at 3 900 lbs - 700 lbs less than the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 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 555 hp, the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2011 has a 155-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008's 400-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 Wakesetter 23 LSV 2011 carries 56 gallons versus 46 gallons in the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008. 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 LSV 2011 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 15 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.