Overview
Jayco introduced a daring Dune exterior palette, now one of two choices, for its mid-tier MY25 Discovery range—showcased here in this prototype 21ft slide-out layout.
It was bold move for an important line with Discovery replacing the now-retired Journey, which Jayco claims was its best-selling range.
Seven models feature in the 2025 line-up, including two slide-outs, which we first spotted at Phillip Island on Camper Deals. We reflect on the major change here.
As a 21ft van with a lounge slide-out, it competes directly with other popular models like the value-oriented Avan Aspire 587-4 and the premium New Age Big Red 20ft.
Is the Jayco Discovery 21ft right for me?
Couples stepping up into a new mid-spec van will appreciate the Jayco Discovery 21ft’s casual style, lightweight 2.45T starting tare and spacious kitchen and ensuite at easy to reach camps.
The Discovery Outback also introduces Projecta DC-DC charging to the mid-tier line replacing the Journey, offering touring couples a few more electrical comforts between stays at powered camps via a chassis-mounted 100Ah lithium battery and 200W in solar.
A welcome, overdue change that improves battery care. And there are options to scale this system.
| Strengths | Compromises |
|---|---|
| Hail-resistant gel-coat exterior | Modest 12V power system, keeping down the weight |
| Projecta 30A facilitates DC-DC charging | On-road coupling |
| Coil spring suspension | Grey colour costs extra |
Layout, Comfort & Liveability – Will it fit my lifestyle?
Interior Layout
This spacious 21ft rear-entry layout features a master bed towards the front, a slide-out club lounge opposite the kitchen with the full ensuite at the rear.
The casual aesthetic is modern with a few nice touches thrown in. Among my favourite, the rebated handles offset with matte black drawer locks boosting continuity.
Two-tone contrasting doors and imprinted splashbacks help define the kitchen and bathroom wet area spaces–it’s a lovely approach. I also like how slimline pelmets and discrete cabinetry above the club lounge opens the space.
It is a big floorplan at 21ft+ and for that you get a bit of room in the ensuite, which features a tall mirror, black matte tapware, floating box cabinets and partially open shelving.
Comfort & Practicality
The kitchen, benefitting from that slide-out club lounge, enjoys ample benchtop space with a deep square sink for washing up.
There is a window at the head of the bed concealed behind an external hard cover to suit weather conditions. Other important welcome comforts in the Discovery include an electric awning and air-conditioning.
Build, Features & Self-Sufficiency – Can it handle my adventures?
Chassis & Suspension
The Discovery’s hail-resistant Dune-coloured gelcoat looked smart against Phillip Island’s open roads atop of a 20mm honeycomb floor. If Dune doesn’t flick your switch, a grey exterior is also available, though it will come at an extra cost.
It rides neatly on a hot-dipped Endurance chassis with JTECH suspension fitted with Pedders Coils, standard with the Outback specification, coupling to your tow vehicle via 50mm ball hitch.
Power & Water systems
The Outback spec mid-tier lineup includes the Projecta 30A Low Profile Power System that facilitates DC-DC charging.
- 200W twin cell solar panel up top.
- Upside-down compressor fridge with freezer drawer.
- Twin water tanks providing 190L freshwater storage
Storage & exterior design
An electric awning comes standard and the twin gas cylinders are sheltered.
Value, Warranty & Safety – Can I afford it with confidence?
Price & Inclusions
Prices for the Discovery 21.66 OB start from $92,990 with key inclusions like the electric awning, 224L upside-down fridge, air-con and a slide-out club lounge boosting living space in the dining area and the kitchen.
Warranty & Ownership
Verdict – Which option is best for me?
Judging by the prototype displayed, the MY25 Discovery 21ft looks like a neat package that will provide enough freedom to comfortably camp up off and on the grid in a casual, modern style.
Rivals at a glance
The Jayco Discovery 21ft establishes a strong mid-point in the on-road slide-out market. It balances the premium, bedroom-slide New Age Big Red against the value-focused Avan Aspire, offering a popular lounge slide-out layout backed by Jayco’s extensive dealer network.
- Avan Aspire 587-4 – A primary focus on value, offering a slide-out layout at a highly competitive price point.
- New Age Big Red 20ft – A premium design featuring a bedroom slide-out to create a larger ensuite and wardrobe area.
