Minn Kota vs. Motorguide has been a common argument at the boat dock for decades. I believe that’s because they’re more similar than different. However, I’m not saying they don’t have their differences.
Both brands target the same customers in a slightly different manner. Their price points and features are similar, but in the end, I think Minn Kota has a slight advantage unless you’re a kayak angler!
Use the tables below to compare the Motorguide Xi5 vs. Minn Kota Terrova or the Minn Kota Edge vs. Motorguide x3! As well as all the other models Minn Kota and Motorguide make.
Comparison Table – Minn Kota Trolling Motors
*Riptide indicates a saltwater model option.
Minn Kota was the best trolling motor manufacturer for years until the Lowrance Ghost and Garmin Force hit the market. Though they’ve been knocked off their pedestal Minn Kota trolling motors have many features beneficial to the average angler.
Minn Kota has a trolling motor to fit nearly any budget, from inexpensive transom mount trolling motors to expensive hi-tech trolling motors with auto-stow and deploy.
Spot-lock, a feature Minn Kota pioneered, is common amongst their motors.
Riptide, a saltwater version, is offered by Minn Kota for several of their models. These versions are designed to be corrosion-resistant to prolong the motor’s life.
One of the best features of their trolling motors is the built-in sonar, which many other companies are also doing.
Comparison Table – Motorguide Trolling Motors
Motorguide has been a long-time rival of Minn Kota. Motorguide trolling motors have many of the same features and benefits at a similar price.
Motorguide has inexpensive transom mount trolling motors and bow mount trolling motors with the latest and greatest features, so you can find one that fits your needs.
Motorguide has become extremely popular in the kayak angler circle because they’re one of the only companies that manufacture a bow mount trolling motor for kayaks, the Xi3.
The Xi3 easily topped our best kayak trolling motor round-up because of the PinPoint GPS feature.
One of the best features of Motorguide electric trolling motors is that they come with HD+ Universal Sonar. This means you can use just about any brand of sonar with compatible motors, so you don’t have to buy a new setup when you purchase a new trolling motor.
Let’s get moving on to side-by-side comparison features!
Motorguide vs Minn Kota Features
Motorguide and Minn Kota offer many similar features on their trolling motors. In this section, we’re going to break down the major features of each brand so you can determine which ones are most important to you.
Mounting Options: Motorguide Or Minn Kota?
Both companies have multiple options for mounting. Whether you’re looking for a bow mount, transom mount, or pontoon mount Motorguide and Minn Kota have trolling motors for you.
The mounting option will contribute to the features available for that electric motor.
This section is a tie. Both companies have all the mounting options you need.
Steering Options
This is another section where both brands are very similar, offering tiller-handle hand steering, footpedal control, and wireless remote control steering.
No trolling motor provides all three. Motorguide and Minn Kota offer models with cable steering and digital steering, depending on your preferences.
However you want to steer your trolling motor, both companies offer the same amount of options. That’s why this section is also a tie.
Battery Saving Technology
Minn Kota has Digital Maximizer, which prolongs battery life up to five times longer on a single charge.
Motorguide has a similar technology called Digital Power Management which also extends the life of the trolling motor battery up to five times the traditional amount.
This section is a tie. I’m not convinced that one outperforms the other.
Durability
Minn Kota was once known for the durability of its electric trolling motors. I own and still use an old Minn Kota Endura.
However, Minn Kota has added more technology to its motors in recent years. Since then, customers have noticed a drop in durability and customer service.
Leaving many to ask, “where are Minn Kota trolling motors made?” and Minn Kota still claims, “Every Minn Kota motor is designed, serviced, and manufactured by real American anglers in Mankato, Minnesota.”
This is surprising to anglers who need Minn Kota technical support multiple times for one product.
Motorguide has tried to counteract durability issues by installing features like 360-degree breakaway mounts, no-flex metal foot pedals, and high-grade materials.
However, Motorguide has also been plagued with subpar durability and customer service.
This section is a tie. It appears that decent customer service would go a long way!
PinPoint GPS For Motorguide vs Minn Kota Spot-Lock
Minn Kota pioneered spot-lock trolling motors. They’ve come a long way since first debuting spot-lock and still probably have the best anchor lock on the market.
With that said, most companies are comparable in this category, including Motorguide.
As long as you keep the anchor mode system updated, Motorguide PinPoint GPS will work nearly as well as Minn Kota Spot-Lock, but Minn Kota has a slight edge due to experience.
Stand Out Features
Motorguide’s stand-out features are responsive true cable-steering, HD+ Universal Sonar, PinPoint GPS, Zero-G lift assist, 360-degree breakaway mount, and a no-flex metal footpedal.
If you want all of these features, you’ll have to purchase the Tour Pro.
However, some of their other models have a few stand-out features.
Minn Kota’s stand-out features are iPilot and iPilot Link, Universal Sonar 2, Autopilot, Built-In MEGA Imagining, and Auto-stow and deploy.
The Minn Kota Ulterra is the only trolling motor with auto-stow and deploy, but a few of their other models have the premier features.
Minn Kota has a slight edge with the auto-stow and deploys feature, but Motorguide has the 360-degree breakaway mount, which can save the day on the water.
Ultimately, it comes down to your preference.
Conclusion: Minn Kota Or Motorguide
It’s a tough decision when comparing Motorguide vs Minn Kota because of their similarities. Your choice inevitably comes down to the minute differences and personal preference.
You should purchase a Minn Kota if:
- You want auto-deploy and stow
- Prefer American made motors
- Run the one-boat-network
You should purchase a Motorguide if:
- You fish from a kayak.
- Often hit submerged rocks and stumps.
- Prefer metal parts, including the footpedal
Let us know in the comments what you’re mounting to your boat!
