A corolla has seating for 5 passengers. There is not much difference between carrying 5 passengers and having two passengers with a trailer on. It is not the cvt that makes towing not recommended it is the safety. I believe stopping is a concern. With slippery roads there is a risk of jack...
I have a 2015 Corolla with cvt. I pull a light weight trailer for yard work and building materials up to about 500lbs (plus trailer) with it and have had no problem. I would not chance have 5 passengers and pulling the trailer with the air on. Like anything in life why push for disaster. Hope...