Minn Kota Terrova vs Ulterra vs Ultrex, which one should you get?
You can be really confused about the differences between Terrova vs Ulterra vs Ultrex by their similar designs and components and have no idea which one is best for you.
The information online can be overwhelmed with mixed reviews.
In fact, this decision could be easy if you know the core benefits you can expect from Terrova vs Ulterra vs Ultrex.
This post will discuss the major differences between the Terrova, Ulterra, and Ultrex, and highlight the most distinctive advantages for each of them.
Table of Content:
Minn Kota Terrova vs Ulterra
To begin with, let’s take a look at the Terrova vs Ulterra, both featuring electric steering.
The major diffrences between Minn Kota Terrova and Ulterra is that the Ultrex has the auto deploy function and power trim (which makes Terrova a more affordable option).
The Ulterra is essentially a Terrova with Auto deploy.
And this means, with Ulterra, you can sit behind and just hit the stow to let the trolling motor deploy itself instead of having to walk up front to the bow to lift the motor.
Adjusting the motor depth for changing conditions is also made easy with Power Trim at the push of a button. It could be useful if you mostly control the motor remotely.
Another difference that worth mentioning is that the Terrova model offers options of 12 volt (55 lbs) which could be good news for smaller boat owners.
And the Terrova 12-volt option also means less weight and cost, compared with the Ulterra (starting with 24 volt).
In terms of operation between Terrova vs Ulterra, both function identical including the spot lock, trolling, navigation via GPS or compass, cruise control, and battery consumption.
Here is also a chart that compares Terrova vs Ulterra in more details:
| Comparison | Terrova | Ulterra |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Style | Electric Steer | Electric Steer |
| Thrust (Voltage) | 112 lbs (36-volt) 80 lbs (24-volt) 55 lbs (12-volt) | 112 lbs (36-volt) 80 lbs (24-volt) |
| Shaft length | 45-inch 54-inch 60-inch 72-inch | 45-inch 60-inch 72-inch |
| Auto Stow/Deploy | × | √ |
| Power Trim | × | √ |
| Handheld Remote | √ | √ |
| Foot Pedal | √ | √ |
| Hummingbird Compatibility | × | √ |
| Price | Check It Out | Check It Out |
* Although the Terrova doesn’t has the auto deploy feature, it features lift assistant which makes deploying and retrieving your trolling motor much easier with a rope (How it works).
Minn Kota Ulterra vs Ultrex
So what’s the difference between Terrova and Ultrex?
Having searched for Ulterra. Loved using the remote for trolling but hated the foot pedal for bass fishing?
In that case, Ultrex is your ultimate choice with cable steering.
And that gives a lot of benefits:
One big things is you can have more precise steering with Ultrex. It allows you to turn the head as slow as you move the foot pedal. By contrast, the Ulterra always turns at the same speed which could be faster than wanted.
The Ultrex trolling motor pedal is also more responsive than the electric pedal on the other two, which is important especially if you fish shoreline cover.
Another bonus of the Ultrex cable steering is that it doesn’t product any noise. However, there could be noise from Ulterra when the electric servos move the motors.
However, you will miss out the auto deploy and power trim on the Ulterra.
And remember that the Ultrex has a bigger foot pedal than Ulterra because it’s a cable drive, so unless you have a recessed area for the foot pedal on your front deck, it may get cumbersome to use.
Here is a chart that compares Ultrex vs Ulterra in details:
| comparison | Ulterra | Ulterra |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Style | Cable or Electric Steer | Electric Steer |
| Thrust (Voltage) | 112 lbs (36-volt) 80 lbs (24-volt) | 112 lbs (36-volt) 80 lbs (24-volt) |
| Shaft length | 45-inch 52-inch 60-inch | 45-inch 60-inch 72-inch |
| Auto Stow/Deploy | × | √ |
| Power Trim | × | √ |
| Handheld Remote | √ | √ |
| Foot Pedal | √ | √ |
| Hummingbird Compatibility | √ | √ |
| Price | Check It Out | Check It Out |
* Ultrex isn’t real cable power steering. It is electrically steered, then the turning of the motor moves the steering cables giving you the illusion that it is cable steered.
Minn Kota Terrova vs Ultrex
What’s the difference between Terrova and Ultrex?
You might already have a clue after reading the other two comparison above.
So essentially, the Terrova trolling motor is simple with less fancy widgets to satisfy your basic needs including the iPilot GPS trolling, spot lock and jog capability, foot pedal and remote control.
And add on that, the Ultrex gives you an option of cable steering. It combines the most responsive, intuitive steering with the iPilot automatic boat control.
In addition, the Terrova does not allow you to connect the Humminbird fish finder to it like the Ultrex does. This allows for more memory for saving spot-lock locations and recorded iTracks.
Here is a comparison chart between Minn Kota Terrova and Ultrex:
| Comparison | Terrova | Ultrex |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Style | Electric Steer | Cable or Electric Steer |
| Thrust (Voltage) | 112 lbs (36-volt) 80 lbs (24-volt) 55 lbs (12-volt) | 112 lbs (36-volt) 80 lbs (24-volt) |
| Shaft length | 45-inch 54-inch 60-inch 72-inch | 45-inch 52-inch 60-inch |
| Auto Stow/Deploy | × | × |
| Power Trim | × | × |
| Lift Assistant | √ | √ |
| Handheld Remote | √ | √ |
| Foot Pedal | √ | √ |
| Hummingbird Compatibility | × | √ |
| Price | Check It Out | Check It Out |
Final Thoughts
Which is better Minn Kota Ulterra, Ultrex, or Terrova?
To help you make an easier decision, I compare the Ulterra, Ultrex, and Terrova side by side and list their most major differences you should care about in the chart below:
| Comparison | Terrova | Ulterra | Ultrex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Style | Electric Steer | Electric Steer | Electric or Cable Steer |
| Thrust (Voltage) | 112 lbs (36-volt) 80 lbs (24-volt) 55 lbs (12-volt) | 112 lbs (36-volt) 80 lbs (24-volt) | 112 lbs (36-volt) 80 lbs (24-volt) |
| Shaft length | 45-inch 54-inch 60-inch 72-inch | 45-inch 60-inch 72-inch | 45-inch 52-inch 60-inch |
| Auto Stow/Deploy | × | √ | × |
| Power Trim | × | √ | × |
| Lift Assistant | √ | × | √ |
| Handheld Remote | √ | √ | √ |
| Foot Pedal | √ | √ | √ |
| Hummingbird Compatibility | × | √ | √ |
| Price | Check It Out | Check It Out | Check It Out |
To conclude, if you bass fish a lot or you are used to the cable steering, the Ultrex is definitely the choice. The i-Pilot is just like the Terrova or Ulterra, but that new foot pedal is unbelievable in ease of operation with precise control and instant response. Only drawback is it’s not removable.
If you are not a foot pedal person who mostly drives the motor remotely or simply don’t mind electric steering, Ulterra is the way to go if you get the pockets. If not, the Terrova is excellent.