The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017 vs Malibu LXi 2010 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 505 hp, the Malibu LXi 2010 has a 95-hp advantage over the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017'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 Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017 carries 48 gallons versus 41 gallons in the Malibu LXi 2010. 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 LXi 2010 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu LXi 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu LXi 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 20,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.