The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2018 vs Malibu FXi 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2018 has a 50-hp advantage over the Malibu FXi 2009'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 Boats Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2018 carries 182 gallons versus 46 gallons in the Malibu FXi 2009. 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 Boats Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2018 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Malibu FXi 2009 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2018 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 MXZ 2018 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 21,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu FXi 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.