The motors from Minn Kota have always been the preferred choice for owners trying to make use of newer features.
While Minn Kota does focus on providing robust and durable units, its primary selling point is the extensive list of features that offer more convenience to the anglers.
On the downside, you will be paying a bit of a premium for these features when comparing the price point for the majority of Minn Kota units with other brands.
However, this premium will be justified with amazing features and quality.
Won’t you be satisfied with all the extra features including the LIfe assistant, auto stow & deploy, power trim, and much more!
So, yes, you will have to spend more budget on Minn Kota Terrova when compared with Motorguide, but this purchase will help you with a robust response for years.
Recently, some anglers have been comparing stats from Motorguide Xi5 and Minn Kota Terrova. Both of these options are pretty decent and present different value packages to the owners.
So, let’s go through some specifics on Minn Kota Terrova and the Motorguide Xi5.
Motorguide Xi5 vs Minn Kota Terrova
| Specifics | Motorguide Xi5 | Minn Kota Terrova |
| Thrust | 80 lbs. | 80 lbs. |
| Usage | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Pedal | Wireless | Wired |
| Features | Moderate | Extensive |
Now, these specifics might only apply to the 24 volts power option, the specifics should carry over.
For example, when you talk about the 36 volts system, the power offered by the Motorguide Xi5 system is not as much.
You’ll be losing about five to seven pounds of thrust. This difference might not be that significant, but it will impact your performance by a decent margin in the long run.
However, if the water conditions are not rough in your region, going with either one is not a bad option.
The lift assist design on the Minn Kota Terrova system will make it more viable. You will not have to worry about the harsher conditions, and it is the perfect starting point (if you have the budget for it).
The only argument that you’ll find against the Minn Kota Terrova system when compared with the Xi5 is the price point.
Other than that, owners have been beyond amazed by the performance of this motor, and you will love this system as well.
So, be sure to stick out with the brand and rely on the Minn Kota Terrova if you’re aiming for peak performance. Yes, you will be spending more, but all that extra convenience and features will translate into a better fishing experience.
Now, who doesn’t want to have a better time and more freedom on the water? So, consider extending your budget. It will sting you at first, but the money spent on the new device will put you far ahead of the competition in no time.
All that you have to do is to spare some cash and then stick with the MInn Kota Terrova system.
On the other hand, if you’re not sold on these features or just want a more affordable setup, then Xi5 is not a bad idea either.
Yes, we’ve been saying that the Terrova is far better, but that doesn’t mean that Motorguide Xi5 is bad. The Motorguide Xi5 system is just as robust, but just lacks a few features here and there.
Moreover, the bigger size of the Xi5 also discourages users from purchasing this motor. However, if you’re not going to need all that extra convenience, then sticking with the Xi5 is a viable idea.
You can’t really go wrong with either one and we will nudge you to the Terrova system.
Here are more details on both options to help you finalize the purchase.
Motorguide Xi5
The Motorguide Xi5 is one of the most popular units by this brand because of the wireless foot pedal and the Pinpoint GPS system.
When it comes to basic functionality and steering smoothness brought forward by this unit, the customer response is pretty divided.
The majority of users think of Motorguide Xi5 as the superior option when comparing it with the Terrova motor.
Moreover, the wireless foot pedal makes maneuverability easier for anglers as they don’t have to get annoyed by long cords.
However, the overall features brought forward by Motorguide can’t be compared with Terrova. Minn Kota put extensive focus on the MEGA down imaging features along with the sonar to provide more value to the users.
The accessibility options are far superior to Xi5, and you’ll notice many experts going with the Minn Kota Terrova when it comes to picking the better fish finder.
The only area where Motorguide Xi5 beats the Terrova unit is the steering capability.
This motor is much easier to steer, and if you don’t want to hassle with the minor bugs and steering problems with Minn Kota, then there is no harm in going with Xi5.
It will serve your system for decades, and you won’t find many reports of customers complaining about the performance of their Motorguide Xi5.
Overall, the Motorguide Xi5 is one of the most efficient units from Motorguide that brings phenomenal performance for freshwater conditions.
You can enjoy the amazing thrust of this motor to easily maneuver through rougher water conditions, even when the size of the boat is a bit large.
So, as far as the basic functionality is concerned, you won’t have to worry about anything. Moreover, it will be a bit lighter on your budget.
Minn Kota Terrova
The Terrova unit from Minn Kota is an absolute beast when it comes to enabling customers with innovative features.
Aside from the MEGA down imaging features offered by this option, you will enjoy better spot lock and navigation options.
Terrova motor further includes iPilot Link, and you can easily stow away and deploy this motor. The only downside with this motor is that it is more expensive, and you will have to set aside a substantial budget for this purchase.
Other than that, you won’t see any complaints about the poor performance of this motor. When compared with the Motorguide Xi5, it will only come short on the steering smoothness.
However, you will get used to the steering offered by this motor in no time. So, if you’re not that worried about the price point and need a phenomenal unit for your fishing trip, then going with Minn Kota Terrova is a good choice.
It is the perfect option for experts that don’t want to bother with manual controls and need to focus more on the fishing technique.
The quality-of-life features from Minn Kota are much better, and the management of Terrova is easier when compared with Xi5. So, you can hook it up with all-sized boats, and it will serve you perfectly in freshwater.
Overall, the majority of the market believes Terrova to be the superior option.
The increased steering smoothness is just not enough to match all the improved features brought forward by Minn Kota.
So, if you’re only concerned with the quality and need an easy-to-manage motor for your boat, then going with Minn Kota Terrova is a decent option. It will serve you for years before you feel the need for a better motor.
Still unsure about what unit to pick? Just ask the local experts! You don’t have to decide in isolation and having the experts to help you out is a great idea.
Yes, it will take a lot of your time, but you’ll be more educated on the different aspects of these motors in your local conditions.
That way, you will get a practical idea on the performance of these motors in your local waters.
So, if you’re still confused and can’t seem to figure out the right option, just go to the local store and explain your requirements. From there, you just gotta listen to the dealer.
Wrapping Up
Confused between the Minn Kota Terrova and the Motorguide Xi5? Can’t seem to figure out which motor will suit you best?
Well, go through the details listed here, and you will be able to figure out the perfect option for your fishing system.
Yes, the market sentiment is heavily tilted towards the Terrova system and the response from this unit is beyond amazing, but so is the price tag.
You will be paying the top buck here, and getting the top performance as well. So, try and keep that in mind when you can’t’ finalize the purchase.
The budget is not always the main factor when it comes to figuring out the best fit. Sometimes, you need to simply expand your perspective and look at all the features that you will realize with the extra investment.
Yes, spending a bit more on the Terrova system will serve you the best utility.
On the other hand, going with the Motorguide Xi5 will serve you with a better budget.
So, you need to first look at your budget and then consider the value that will be realized with the Terrova system. That will give you a clear idea on which system to choose for your next trip.