Both the Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2012 and the Malibu Wakesetter 20 MXZ 2013 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2012 measures 24,6 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Malibu Wakesetter 20 MXZ 2013 at 20,0 feet (2013). At 4 000 lbs and 4 000 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 450 hp, the Malibu Wakesetter 20 MXZ 2013 has a 40-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2012's 410-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 247 LSV 2012 carries 84 gallons versus 35 gallons in the Malibu Wakesetter 20 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 Sunscape 247 LSV 2012 is rated for 17 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 20 MXZ 2013 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 17 passengers and at 24,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Wakesetter 20 MXZ 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 13 that costs less to run day-to-day.