Minn Kota vs MotorGuide, which one is better? MotorGuide Xi5 or Minn Kota Terrova? Looking to buy a trolling motor and torn as to which way to go?
The decision could be hard as the technology and the product line of Minn Kota and MotorGuide involves day by day.
This post will introduce everything you need to know about Minn Kota vs MotorGuide comparison including the pros and cons for each, their performances, specifications, genuine reviews from worldwide customers (freshwater and saltwater fishing).
With the updated clear feature comparison chart between Minn Kota vs MotorGuide, you will be sure to get the best pick in 2023!
Table of content:
- Minn Kota vs MotorGuide: Brand Comparison
- MotorGuide Xi5 vs Minn Kota Terrova
- MotorGuide vs Minn Kota: Buying Guide
Minn Kota vs MotorGuide: Brand Comparison
It’s undeniable that Minn Kota and MotorGuide are both big players in the field of electric trolling with die-hard fans and loyal customers.
Although being neck and neck with quality trolling motors, Minn Kota vs MotorGuide can have a clear winner for you with personal preferences to different features and functions.
Here we will discuss Minn Kota vs MotorGuide from 3 most essential factors including features, quality, and customer service, to help you make the decision wisely.
#1. Features
Whether choosing Minn Kota or MotorGuide largely depends on your use case, which determines the product features requirements. It’s important to know what you can get from Minn Kota and MotorGuide to make sure it can satisfy your needs.
You can check the chart for quick comparison between Minn Kota vs MotorGuide or continue reading for details.
Both Minn Kota and MotorGuide are GPS trolling motors that allows you to lock onto fishing spots with spot-lock, navigate to pre-recorded fishing spots with autopilot, and control the motor anywhere on the boat with the wireless remote.
Minn Kota is more versatile in terms of features. Besides spot lock and auto-pilot, it also features advanced functions including automatic stow and deploy with a push of the button and spot-lock jog which allows you to move your spot-lock location by 5 ft in any direction.
A lot of users also find the integrated screen and mobile phone app useful.
Some users prefer Minn Kota and claims it performs better in the weeds than MotorGuide, with the specially designed power trim feature that allows you to remotely adjust the height of the trolling motor prop in shallow waters.
Compared with Minn Kota, MotorGuide trolling motors are lacking several appealing features, including the remote stow and deploy, lift assistant, and the display screen.
However, MotorGuide comes standard with a totally wireless foot pedal (i5 series), and the Minnkota foot pedal is wired (Terrova). Click here for detailed comparison between MotorGuide Xi5 vs Minn Kota Terrova.
Note: Always keep in mind that the built-in advanced features come at a price. By making some features optional as add-ons, MotorGuide allows you to select and only pay for your desired features, making the purchase solutions much more flexible.
Some users also enjoy the simplicity of the MotorGuide trolling motors because it is easier to install with less stuff to break. MotorGuide is like a basic plan compared with Minn Kota.
Minn Kota vs MotorGuide: Features Comparison
| Comparison | Features | Price |
| Minn Kota | · Spot lockAuto-pilot · Wired foot pedalRemote control · Mobile phone app available · Screen on the remote · Power trim (prop height adjustment) · Auto stow & deploy* · Lift-assistant* · Bluetooth connection · Compatible with Hummbird fish finder | Minn Kota Terrova: Check price at Amazon |
| MotorGuide | · Spot lock · Auto-pilot · Wireless foot pedal · Remote control · Compatible with Lowrance fish finder | MotorGuide Xi5: Check price at Amazon |
* Auto stow/deploy is available in selected models including Ulterra Series and Riptide Ulterra Series; and lift-assistant is available in Ultrex Series and Terrova Series.
For more information about GPS trolling motor (functions and benefits), continue reading this complete guide.
#2. Quality
Opinions on the quality and reliability of Minn Kota vs MotorGuide?
In fact, Minn Kota and MotorGuide are both well made with quality materials, although a lot of users believe that Minn Kota feels studier and smoother than MotorGuide.
They are both American made and durable with tons of positive customer reviews. That’s to say, you can’t really make a mistake if you get either a MotorGuide motor or a Minn Kota, since they’re both reliable electric trolling motors and are likely to serve you well.
If the trolling motor breaks down or anything happens, the customer service will get you covered! And that would be a more important factor to take into consideration.
#3. Customer Service
The warranty and customer service are massive parts on the Minn Kota vs MotorGuide competition.
You can never trust a brand if it cannot be served properly when problem comes up, especially when the initial cost for either Minn Kota or MotorGuide is not cheap at all.
While Minn Kota offers 2-year warranty for all the product lines, MotorGuide has a varied warranty policy among different product models. The higher-end models enjoy an extended 3-year warranty, and the cheaper ones only entitle 1- or 2- year warranty period.
In terms of customer service, both MotorGuide and Minn Kota are responsive with customers’ inquiries and the service centers can be easily found nearby for repairs.
Motorguid Xi5 vs Minn Kota Terrova
Among the comparisons between Minn Kota vs MotorGuide, Motorguid Xi5 and Minn Kota Terrova are the top choices that most anglers are torn for a decision.
Here I list the major differences between MotorGuide Xi5 and Minn Kota Terrova you should know before purchase to make a wise decision.
#1. Minn Kota Terrova
Minn Kota Terrova is one of the best-selling and most reliable electric trolling motors on the market, with complete features you will need for a fruitful fishing trip. It’s like a no brainer for people who have enough budget.
With the updated version Terrova, it features with better spot lock with i-Pilot, bluetooth connections (which is useful when friends fishing in the bow get in the way of your remote’s signal), and spring-loaded lift assistant design available!
The lift assistant saves your trouble lifting heavy and cumbersome stuff, and it is friendly to your family members to do the stows. It simply offers effortless easy stowing.
Minn Kota Terrova Model Options
| Thrust | Voltage | Price |
| 55 pounds | 12 volt | Check price |
| 80 pounds | 24 volt | Check price |
| 112 pounds | 36 volt | Check price |
* The shaft length is available with 45-inch, 54-inch, 60-inch, 72-inch options. Terrova Riptide models are also available for saltwater uses.
Remember to take the compatible electronic devices into consideration. If you have a Humminbird fish finder in place, Minn Kota Terrova is the option that links to it.
Customer review: I have been using trolling motors for over 40 years and this is the best one I ever had. It holds me in the exact spot I anchor. Easy to deploy and bring in with the lift assist. It’s quiet and well built. Great product!!
Also check out the hands-on product review from Fishing the LoneStar:
#2. MotorGuide Xi5
MotorGuide Xi5 is also a solid choice with its own advantages.
MotorGuide comes with a wireless foot paddle that is faster and more responsive which could be a plus for many anglers. In addition, you don’t need to deal with the long cords. The price is more affordable compared with Minn Kota Terrova, although it doesn’t support some fancy features including the lift-assistant and the screen display.
Does MotorGuide have spot lock? Some of you might wonder.
Definitely! MotorGuide Xi5 does everything you may expect from a GPS trolling motor. The Pinpoint GPS provides precise control of your boat and hold tight on your anchor point with the spot lock function, although Minn Kota is a little advanced with additional offers.
Minn Kota vs MotorGuide spot lock: With the blue-tooth enabled heading sensor, Minn Kota is a little more advanced on the spot lock with the additional spot lock jog function which lets you move your spot-lock location in 5 ft. increments in any direction.
MotorGuide Xi5 Model Options
| Thrust | Voltage | Price |
| 55 pounds | 12 volt | Check price |
| 80 pounds | 24 volt | Check price |
| 112 pounds | 36 volt | Check price |
* The shaft length is available with 48-inch, 54-inch, 60-inch, 72-inch options.
If you are looking for MotorGuide Xi5 for saltwater uses, check this link for specially designed saltwater models instead.
Customer review: I bought the MotorGuide Xi5 last year and it is just awesome for our 19′ alumacraft trophy, Made trolling with 2 guys very easy and the spot lock feature for deep water perching is the way of the future!
Check out the MotorGuide Xi5 independent review from users (saltwater applications):
MotorGuide vs Minn Kota: Buying Guide
Still have trouble deciding on a MotorGuide or Minn Kota?
Read these easy tips to help you reach a quick decision.
- If linking to your chart plotter is a concern, Humminbird links to Minn-Kota and Lowrance links to MotorGuide.
- If you need all the extra bells and whistles including the self-deploy or lift-assistant, big digital screen, Minn Kota is the way to go.
- If you just want a simple trolling motor that does the work (or price is your primary concern), MotorGuide would suit you better with a more affordable price tag.
- If you prefer a wireless foot pedal than a wired one, consider MotorGuide motors.
Whether MotorGuide or Minn Kota ultimately depends on the features you demand and there is always a tradeoff between features, simplicity, and price.
Always remember to check the customer reviews between Minn Kota vs MotorGuide to find useful information about your ideal application.
Here is also a comparison video that explains the differences between Minn Kota vs MotorGuide (saltwater) from ins and outs:
Still not sure whether to choose MotorGuide or Minn Kota with specific questions? Leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible!