Both the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2005 and the Malibu Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2013 are modified-V designs, so 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 Sunscape 23 LSV 2005 at 23,0 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2013 at 22,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2013 tips the scales at 4 400 lbs - 600 lbs less than the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2005 at 3 800 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 22 MXZ 2013 has a 105-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2005's 450-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 Sunscape 23 LSV 2005 carries 55 gallons versus 50 gallons in the Malibu Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2013. 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 22 MXZ 2013 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2005 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 15 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 14 that costs less to run day-to-day.