Is a leveling kit necessary to achieve my dream build for my stock Tacoma?

Hello everyone, I am new to Tacomas as well as the truck world. I would really appreciate any recommendations and advice regarding my stock 2015 Tacoma 2.7L v4 2WD 5 Lug Access cab. As of right now, I have 235/75R15 stock tires with stock rims and it makes my Tacoma look extremely short. My goal for this truck is to have taller and wider tires similar to the first picture I provided, but I am not sure whether a leveling kit is essential to do so. I have purchased 3 different front leveling kits and 1 rear leveling kit and they all didn’t fit my truck, even though the kits specifications were up to par with my vehicle model. It was really frustrating to make all of those returns. So would y’all recommend a leveling kit, if so which one? And would I need new upper control arms for it? Would it affect everyday performance? I don’t want to break the bank. Or would y’all just recommend I skip the leveling kit and just purchase taller and wider tires? If so, what sizes would y’all recommend? I’m also looking at buying new rims. The bottom 2 pictures are what my truck looks like now. Thanks.

 

Do research in the 5 lug forum.

 

Ya maybe the leveling kits didn't work because you were buying them for the 6-lugs - if our suspension components are different. Probably want a whole lift kit, not just a leveling kit though, i'd imagine.

 

2.7l
2wd
Leveling kit

no

 

I'd get a Pro grille Pro headlights paint the grille surround and front bumper silver debadge the doors find a set of XRunner wheels maybe refinish them in black chrome. Get a nice set of street performance or a road friendly ATs and look into a good shocks for the stock ride height, or a lowering kit.