The Toyota Corolla dates back to 1966 and the era of the Space Race, when the compact cruiser debuted in Japan before reaching American dealerships two years later. Toyota describes the Corolla as a car that has evolved to meet changing times, guided by the principles of quality and value. It’s a formula that has worked for the automaker, since the Corolla has been one of the best-selling cars in history, with cumulative global sales now surpassing 57 million units. The 2027 Corolla Hatchback leverages the same quality-and-value formula, built mainly with younger drivers and first-time buyers in mind. It’s also the type of car for someone who wants that sportier look without sacrificing daily practicality or stepping up to a larger vehicle. However, smaller sedans and hatchbacks can often get paired with continuously variable transmissions, or CVTs for short. While they help with fuel economy, drivers have complained about a "rubber band" feeling under acceleration, where the engine revs climb before the car actually picks up speed. Vehicles with CVTs are often criticized as being boring or uneventful to drive. Toyota hopes potential 2027 Corolla Hatchback buyers will think differently after test-driving one, as the automaker engineered its Dynamic Shift CVT to feel like anything but. How the Corolla Hatchback's transmission works The part you might miss on the spec sheet The 2027 Corolla Hatchback's Dynamic Shift CVT uses a physical launch gear for the initial pull away from a stop. Instead of relying purely on a belt-and-pulley system from the moment the driver's foot leaves the brake, the Corolla Hatchback uses a real gear first, then hands acceleration duties off to the CVT's pulley system once it is moving. It’s this unique launch gear that gives the 2027 Corolla Hatchback a more engaging feel off the line, since