A Treefrog Air Freshener Review

A guide to Treefrog Air fresheners – Is it the best JDM air freshener in 2021?

When you go to the auto parts store looking for a unique scent for your car but are disappointed to see the usual little trees, and black ice cans. You may be looking for a break from the usual scents. There is no better addition to your next car ride than a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market, if you didn’t know) product straight from Japan. In Japan, scents like black squash and sexy soap prevail in the land of the rising sun.

By Maurice Rodriguez

October 28, 2021

In this article, we will explore 7 of JDM’s favorite exports and a contender that we just had to include on the list despite not being from Japan. In my opinion, an air freshener named JDM Scent gets a pass on this list. The fine gentlemen at Chemical Guys have captured the JDM scent in a bottle and earned the third spot on our list.

Best Overall: JDM Air Freshener

Air Spencer CS-X3 Car Air Freshener

Description: The Air Spencer CS-X3 Car Air Freshener is still the king of JDM air fresheners. Sorry, TreeFrog. Air Spencer has been making their now infamous “Squash” scent since 1992. It is most popular with the JDM tuner scene and I grow up with this wonderful citrus scent (it doesn’t actually smell like a squash). Maybe I’m partial to this scent but I do believe they make a great smelling product and it lasts 4 to 6 weeks.

Available Scents:

• Squash Scent

Pros:

• Invented the classic “Squash” scent we all associate with JDM greatness
• Stylish cartridge holders give it a space-age look. Can last up 4 to 6 weeks  

Cons:

• Fades quickly in direct heat

Second Place: JDM Air Freshener

Treefrog Xtreme Air Freshener

Description: The Treefrog Xtreme Air Freshener, unfortunately, came in second even though the “black squash” smell was a very pleasant citrus/lime smell we enjoyed very much. It’s just not very strong, so if you are looking for a subtler scent than the Spencer this might be a better choice for you. We thought that the scent fades rather quickly and since the air freshener is supposed to be placed under the seat it doesn’t have an overpowering odor. Some have mentioned that partially opening the package helps the scent last longer.

Available Scents:

• Black Squash
• White Peach
• Lemon

Pros:

• Classic Black Squash scent – Lemon/Lime
• Can be placed under the car seat

Cons:

• Very subtle but pleasant odor
• No style points, since it’s placed under the car seats

Third Place: JDM Air Fresheners

JDM Squash Air Freshener – Chemical Guys

Description: We love Chemical Guys products. They make excellent professional-grade products that detailers use to give your car that extra touch. The JDM Squash scent air freshener brings the squash scent (think citrus with a hint of candy) we all love. It only comes in a spray (no fancy canister here) but is a good substitute.

Available Scents:

• JDM Squash
• Pina Colada
• Black Frost
• Cherry Blast

Pros:

• JDM sweet candy smell
• Spray can be applied anywhere you want that JDM scent
• Comes in other delicious scents
• Great on upholstery

Cons:

• Need to re-apply frequently (3 to 5 days)

Other contenders to try: JDM Air Fresheners

Treefrog Natural Air Freshener

Description: The Treefrog Natural Air Freshener claims to use natural fragrances but is a gel-based deodorizer that comes in a variety of scents. We liked the squash scent and thought the smell to be similar to the “Black Squash” in the cartridge but didn’t seem to have lasting power. Some users claim it’s “approved by the Federation of Drifters.” So you know it’s good.

Available Scents:

• Squash
• Apple
• Peach
• Jasmine
• Lemon
• Cherry

Pros:

• Classic Squash scent – Lemon/Lime
• Can style with odor control lid
• Natural fragrances

Cons:

• Takes up a cup holder
• The scent doesn’t last

Smooth Cologne Car Air Freshener

Description: We bring you the Smooth Cologne Car Air Freshener straight from the JDM market. This product is a gel-based air freshener that deodorizes and comes in the familiar squash scents plus, some other interesting offerings like ‘Sexy Soap.’ The other scents may add some spice to your rotation of air fresheners.

Available Scents:

• Light Squash
• White Peach
• Peach & Kiss
• Luxury
• White Musk
• Sexy Soap

Pros:

• Can be placed under the car seat for a discreet placement
• Comes in a classic squash scent
• Variety of scents

Cons:

• No fancy holder
• Scents are very subtle

Carall Glare Fine Air Freshener Car Cologne

Description: Glare brings a very stylish product that resembles a chrome rim if you want to bring some style to your ride. We appreciate the chrome-like top that allows you to control the amount of scent is released. Other manufacturers could take a lesson in execution and style from Glare. The squash scent is very familiar and pretty strong. It is however bulky and does take up an entire cup holder so it doesn’t go flying when you take a corner a little too hard.

Available Scents:

• Water Squash

Pros:

• Fancy chrome-like top to control scent release
• Would make a great gift

Cons:

• Takes a cup holder

VicColor Gel Based Japanese Under-The-Car Air Refresher

Description: Viccolor gel-based air freshener is another JDM scent that has many scents to appeal to any taste like Clear Squash, Lemon Squash, Lite Squash, or Sexy Air if you’re adventurous. We aren’t sure what Sexy Air smells like but we are curious.

Available Scents:

• Clear Squash

Pros:

• Can be placed under the car seat for a discreet placement
• A variety of interesting scents to try

Cons:

• No fancy holder

Conclusion: We really liked Treefrogs offerings and found them to be very comparable to the Air Spencer we just liked the Air Spencer’s longevity, packaging, and familiar squash scent. We think both products are effective at recreating that authentic JDM scent.

Treefrog does have many more varieties of air fresheners that can suit any need. If you do any search you can find paper hangers in a variety of styles, canisters, and gel-based bricks that will keep any car smelling JDM squash until the wheels fall off.

We are all things cars.