When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2012 and the Malibu Sunsetter 21 XTi 2005 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Malibu Sunsetter 21 XTi 2005 measures 21,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 19,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2012 at 2,0 feet (2012). At 33 lbs and 33 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 400 hp, the Malibu Sunsetter 21 XTi 2005 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 Sunsetter 21 XTi 2005 carries 46 gallons versus 41 gallons in the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 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 Sunsetter 21 XTi 2005 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2012 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunsetter 21 XTi 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunsetter 21 XTi 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.